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.
