NSW Introduces Free Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for Children Aged Two to Four
The New South Wales Government has introduced a free nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged two to four as part of efforts to increase vaccination uptake and reduce pressure on hospitals during the winter flu season. The initiative follows a year of high influenza activity and rising hospital presentations among young children. Details of the programme were outlined in a NSW government announcement confirming that the needle‑free vaccine will be available through GPs, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services across the state.
The programme forms part of broader public health efforts led by NSW Health to improve protection against influenza among young children, who are more vulnerable to severe illness. The vaccine is administered as a spray into each nostril, providing a painless alternative to injections and aiming to reduce a key barrier to childhood immunisation.
Low Vaccination Rates Among Young Children
Vaccination coverage among children under five in New South Wales remains below the target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024–2028. In 2025, around 24.4 per cent of children in this age group received an influenza vaccine, compared with the state target of 40 per cent.
The lower uptake coincided with a prolonged flu season. More than 24,500 influenza cases were recorded in children under five in 2025. During the same period, emergency departments across the state reported more than 4,600 presentations for influenza‑like illness among young children and over 960 hospital admissions. This represented an increase of more than 40 per cent compared with 2024.
Across all age groups, 2025 saw the highest number of influenza notifications recorded in New South Wales, with 186,768 reported cases. This marked a 15.8 per cent increase compared with 2024 and a 79 per cent increase compared with 2023.
Needle-Free Option Aims to Improve Uptake
“I know how unsettling it can be for some parents taking a child to receive a vaccine, so being able to offer a needle-free alternative is a real win for those parents. We hope this option will help increase vaccine uptake in this age group, who we know are at higher risk of becoming more seriously unwell from influenza.” — Ryan Park, Minister for Health, NSW Government
The nasal spray vaccine is designed to make immunisation easier for children who may fear injections. Health officials expect the simpler administration method to help raise coverage rates among young children and reduce influenza-related complications.
“The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a really simple option for children who are aged two, three and four. It is quick, pain-free and can be provided at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.” — Dr Kerryn Coleman, Executive Director Health Protection, NSW Health
Flu Vaccination Recommended for the Wider Community
Health authorities are also encouraging the broader community to receive their annual influenza vaccination before case numbers increase again. The flu vaccine is recommended each year for everyone aged six months and older.
Under Australia’s National Immunisation Program, the injectable influenza vaccine is available free of charge for several groups at higher risk of severe illness. These include young children, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, adults aged 65 and over, and people with serious health conditions.
Residents can book vaccinations through their GP, a participating community pharmacy, or an Aboriginal Medical Service. Officials say early vaccination provides the best protection before influenza activity rises during winter.
Public Health Advice for the Winter Respiratory Season
Alongside vaccination, health authorities recommend several measures to limit the spread of respiratory illness during the winter period. These include staying home when unwell, practising regular hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded indoor environments where possible.
If symptoms are mild and not life‑threatening, residents are encouraged to seek advice through the Healthdirect helpline, which provides 24‑hour health guidance and can connect callers with appropriate care. The approach aims to support patients while preserving emergency department capacity for more urgent cases.
