Parents across New South Wales will soon have a far less stressful way to protect their children from serious influenza.
Starting before the 2026 flu season, children aged two to five will be able to receive needle-free flu vaccinations at their GP, thanks to a new initiative from the NSW Minns Government.
Instead of injections—long recognised as a major barrier to immunisation—the vaccine will be delivered as a quick nasal spray that provides the same protection as traditional flu shots. The move comes after persistent calls from the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) to fund needle-free vaccines for young children.
“A Game-Changing Policy”
Dr Rebekah Hoffman, NSW & ACT Chair of the RACGP, welcomed the announcement as “a game changer.”
“Needle-free vaccine access, at no cost to families, will be as easy as it is lifesaving,” she said.
“We’ve seen falling immunisation rates among children under five—from more than 44% in 2020 to under 26% by the end of August this year. These kids are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection, so we need to boost immunity.”
Dr Hoffman highlighted that two-thirds of parents cite the distress of injections as a key barrier, while one-quarter of adults have a significant fear of needles. “This initiative breaks that barrier,” she added.
Needle-free flu vaccines have been widely used overseas and thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.
Why It Matters
Influenza remains a serious threat. Since January, NSW has recorded 138,021 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, with over 3,000 emergency presentations for children under five and more than 600 hospitalisations. Nationally, Australia is on track to record the highest annual flu cases ever.
“Taking a young child to hospital with severe flu is terrifying—and too common,” Dr Hoffman said.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent hospitalisations and stop flu from spreading. Needle-free vaccination, at no cost to parents, will help reduce hospitalisations and the stress that puts families under.”
Looking Ahead
The NSW Government expects the nasal flu vaccine to expand to other age groups through the private market as regulatory approvals progress. The RACGP is urging other states and territories to adopt similar programs to make flu vaccination easier and more accessible.
This groundbreaking policy ensures that, from next year, a child’s flu vaccine experience will be a quick spray up the nose rather than a painful injection—a welcome relief for parents and children alike.
NSW GPs Applaud Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for Young Children: “As Easy as It Is Lifesaving” added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
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