Nasal spray influenza vaccine

NSW commenced a free nasal spray influenza vaccination program in March 2026 offering FluMist®, a nasal spray influenza vaccine to young children. This vaccine has been widely used in the Northern Hemisphere and provides a safe, tested and needle-free alternative to protect children against influenza.

Free vaccines are available for a limited time for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years. We recommend parents and carers call ahead to check availability with their provider. Families are encouraged to book in as soon as possible.

For more information for parents, see Influenza information for families with young children.

Who is eligible for the 2026 NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program?

From late-May 2026, the program was expanded so that the vaccine is now funded for a limited time for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years. 

The program initially targeted young children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old as they are at high risk of severe illness and vaccine coverage has been lowest in this group.

While children under 5 years of age are at the highest risk of severe influenza, older children and adolescents can also have severe complications from influenza. Vaccinating school aged children also helps to protect others in the family from influenza.

What is the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine?

The program will use FluMist®, which is approved for safe and effective use in children and adolescents (2 to 17 years) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Although newly available in Australia, it has been safely given to millions of children in the Northern Hemisphere for more than a decade.

How the nasal spray flu vaccine works

The nasal spray flu vaccine protects against influenza.

  • It is given as a quick, painless spray into the nose - one spray is given into each nostril.
  • It is absorbed quickly in the nose, so even if the child sneezes afterwards, it still works.
  • It contains small amounts of weakened influenza viruses that help the body learn how to fight the real virus. It builds protection by mimicking a natural infection to stimulate the body's immune response.
  • It trains the immune system to recognise and fight the influenza virus. It does not cause or spread influenza.
  • It works just as well as the flu vaccine injection.
  • It takes about two weeks after getting it for full protection to develop.

For more information, see NCIRS: Influenza immunisation and Influenza vaccines – NCIRS frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Where will the free nasal spray flu vaccine be available in NSW?

Nasal spray flu vaccine will be available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and community pharmacies.

The flu vaccine injection will continue to be available.

​For more information on flu vaccines for children, see Influenza information for families with young children.

When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?

It's best to get a flu vaccine before winter each year.

Influenza spreads the most during winter, usually between June and September. Getting vaccinated early helps provide protection when influenza is most common.

Flu vaccines are updated every year to match the strains of the influenza virus expected to circulate, which is why getting vaccinated each year is recommended.

It is never too late to get the flu vaccine because influenza can circulate all year.

Where can I find more information?


Current as at: Friday 5 June 2026
Contact page owner: Strategic Policy and Program Support