The Minns Labor Government has expanded the eligibility for the free nasal spray flu vaccine to include all young people from 2 to 17 years of age in NSW.
As part of the expansion, the Minns Labor Government is further supporting participating community pharmacies to deliver the Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, helping to improve access for families across NSW following the worst flu season on record.
The nasal spray vaccine is gentle, painless and is available for free for a limited time at GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies until all stocks are exhausted.
Fewer than 25 per cent of children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, and the proportion of older children and adolescents who were vaccinated was even lower.
As of 16 May 2026, approximately 15 per cent of children aged 2 to under 5 years old have received an influenza vaccine in NSW, up from around 10 per cent at the same time in 2025. Of those vaccinated so far in 2026, 69 per cent of children received flu nasal spray vaccine.
All people are recommended to have an influenza vaccine each year. 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.
So far in 2026, influenza activity in NSW has been low, but this will increase in the coming months. Parents should take this opportunity to vaccinate their children now, while the free nasal spray vaccine is available.
It's hoped the expansion of the program will make vaccination easier particularly for parents of young children who don't like needles, while also increasing vaccination rates across the state.
Across all age groups in 2025, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications. This is a 15.8 per cent jump (25,548 more) than in 2024 and a 79 per cent jump (82,439 more) compared with 2023.
Vaccination remains the best protection against serious illness from influenza. Influenza vaccine is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and over.
Free influenza vaccine injections are available under the National Immunisation Program in 2026 for:
- 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.
The community is encouraged to book their flu vaccination early through their GP, community pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service.
The community are reminded there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:
- stay up to date with vaccinations
- stay home if unwell and wear a mask if need to go out
- avoid crowded indoor spaces where possible
- practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
- consider a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
- making a plan with their doctor if they're at higher risk of severe illness.
If an illness is not serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for advice 24-hours a day. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
For more information or to book your flu vaccination, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The expansion of the nasal influenza vaccine will help to provide more options to parents and help make it a less stressful process.
"The thought of having a needle can be quite overwhelming for children of all ages so 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.
"Influenza and other respiratory illnesses can have a massive impact on emergency departments during winter and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families by getting their flu vaccine.
"If you do get sick this winter, and it's not an emergency, I encourage everyone to use our out-of-hospital care options, like healthdirect and our urgent care centres, so we can keep our emergency departments for the people who need them most."
Quotes attributable to President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch Mario Barone:
"Pharmacists are proud to support this important initiative, which makes flu vaccination more accessible and less stressful for children and families.
"We've already seen strong uptake of the nasal spray vaccine in community pharmacies, with parents welcoming a simple, needle-free option for their children.
"Parents can now walk into most pharmacies and get their children aged between 2-17 a free, no-needle vaccination. Community pharmacy is helping lift vaccination rates across NSW and keep communities safe this winter."
Quotes attributable to Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:
"This is a brilliant initiative. The flu can be really harmful and disruptive to a kid's life, and they don't lose their fear of needles when they turn five, or fifteen.
"It's going to be great for anyone with children and teenagers, especially as we head into the flu season, winter sports, and preparation for HSC assessments and exams.
"I paid privately for a FluMist vaccine for my nine- and ten-year-olds. Now they want it every year. They said it was the best news, even as the children of a GP. 'I love technology!' was what my son said after his nasal vaccine, and he's right. This is us adopting a safe new way to protect yourself from the flu, but more importantly, it makes that protection easy."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:
"With winter around the corner, we are encouraging everyone to go out and get their flu shot. This is your best chance at protection against serious illness.
"The nasal flu vaccine is safe and effective in providing protection against influenza. It is also a really quick and easy process.
"The feedback we have received from parents of two to four-year-olds has already been incredibly positive. Many parents have indicated their children are less stressed and less upset following vaccination.
"I encourage parents to book their kids in for their free nasal influenza vaccine. It is a great option and a great way to help ensure your family stays healthy for winter."
