Free Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for Children and Teens in NSW
The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced a new initiative to make flu vaccinations more accessible for children and teenagers. As part of this program, all children and teens aged between two and 17 years will now be eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine. This expansion aims to improve vaccination rates and ensure more families can protect themselves against the flu.
This move comes in response to what was described as the worst flu season on record in 2025, with over 186,768 cases reported across the state. The data highlights the need for increased vaccination efforts, particularly among younger age groups. In 2025, less than 25 per cent of children aged between six months and five years received a flu vaccine, while the vaccination rate for older children and adolescents was even lower.
Recent figures show that approximately 15 per cent of children aged two to five have been vaccinated as of May 16 this year, an increase from about 10 per cent at the same time last year. This improvement is partly due to the popularity of the nasal spray option, which has already been embraced by more than half (69 per cent) of children who received a flu vaccine so far this year.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park, emphasized the importance of offering a pain-free alternative for children. “The thought of having a needle can be quite overwhelming for children of all ages,” he said. “To be able to offer this pain-free option to more children and young people is not only great news but also important for increasing vaccination rates.”
Everyone over the age of six months is recommended to receive an influenza vaccine each year. Children under five are considered to be at the highest risk of severe influenza, but older children and adolescents can also experience serious complications. Vaccinating school-aged children helps protect not only them but also their families.
The nasal spray vaccine is available through general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal Medical Services, and community pharmacies until stocks run out. Mario Barone, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s NSW Branch, praised the initiative, saying that pharmacies offering the nasal vaccine make it easier and less stressful for families.
“Parents can now walk into most pharmacies and get their children aged between 2-17 a free, no-needle vaccination,” he said. “Community pharmacy is helping lift vaccination rates across NSW and keep communities safe this winter.”
In addition to the nasal spray, free influenza vaccine injections are available for specific groups, including:
- Children aged six months to under five years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged six months and over
- People aged 65 years and over
- People with certain medical conditions
This comprehensive approach ensures that more people in NSW have access to life-saving flu vaccines, regardless of their age or health status. By making the process simpler and more comfortable, the government hopes to see a significant increase in vaccination rates and better protection for the entire community.
