The Minns Labor Government is rolling out free nasal spray flu vaccines for 2-4 year olds to increase influenza vaccine uptake in young children following the worst flu season on record.
Under the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, the free nasal spray flu vaccine will be available for children aged two, three and four years across NSW through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies.
The vaccine is sprayed into the nose with one spray into each nostril. It is gentle, painless, and needle-free.
About a quarter of children (24.4%) under 5 were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, which is below the 40% target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024-2028.
Last year's extended flu season saw more than 24,500 cases of influenza (flu) in children under 5 in NSW.
In 2025, there were more than 4,600 presentations in children under 5 for influenza-like-illness to emergency departments in NSW and more than 960 admissions in children under 5 to hospitals. Compared to 2024, this is a more than 40 per cent increase in both presentations and admissions.
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.
The Minns Labor Government is urging the wider community to also book in now for their annual flu vaccination, both to keep themselves and their families healthy, and to help ease pressures on busy emergency departments over the winter period.
The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for everyone six months and over and offers the best protection against serious illness. The community is encouraged to get vaccinated early before cases begin rising again.
The 2026 flu vaccine injection is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children aged six months to under five years
- pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged six months and over
- anyone aged 65 and over
- people with serious health conditions.
The community can book their flu vaccine at 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:
- staying up to date with their vaccinations
- staying home if they're sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
- avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
- consider doing 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
- practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.
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 on respiratory illness, including 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:
"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.
"The influenza vaccine is the best chance of protection against serious illness and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families this winter.
"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 Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:
"After the increase in children presenting to emergency departments last year, the nasal spray influenza vaccination is an important step in keeping our children out of hospital.
"Parents in our community want simple, stress‑free ways to keep their children healthy, and this needle‑free nasal spray vaccine delivers exactly that.
"If more of us are vaccinated this winter, we not only protect ourselves but also help ease pressure on our busy hospitals, so I strongly encourage taking up this free vaccine option."
Quotes attributable to Executive Director Health Protection NSW, Dr Kerryn Coleman:
"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.
"The injectable influenza vaccine is also now available and we are asking everyone to go out and get vaccinated. The earlier you get vaccinated, the sooner you will be protected.
"The most important way we can help reduce the spread, and try to prevent the prolonged influenza season like we saw last year, is to get you and your family vaccinated."
Quotes attributable to Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW/ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman:
"Having needle-free vaccines for children aged two-four, at no cost to parents, is a game-changing policy.
"Two thirds of kids, and about a quarter of adults, have a strong fear of needles. As GPs, we know that's a big barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need.
"For these children and their parents, that barrier is now gone. More young children will be vaccinated, and that means fewer families in hospital and less pressure on our health system.
"Everyone over six months old is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year, but it's especially important for anyone who is under five, over 65, pregnant, or at risk of severe illness. There were a record number of flu cases in 2025, so we want all of our patients to roll up their sleeves this flu season."
