- Cook Labor Government rolling out nation-leading needle-free influenza vaccine from today
- Needle free vaccine available for free for children aged two to under 12 in WA-first
- $6.6 million investment to secure and deliver 130,000 and boost vaccination uptake ahead of winter
Western Australian families can now access the most comprehensive FluMist program in the country, providing a free, needle-free influenza vaccine to children aged two to under 12 years.
The Cook Labor Government has invested $6.6 million to secure and deliver 130,000 doses of the intranasal vaccine, offering a simple and painless alternative to traditional influenza vaccines for children.
Eligible children can access FluMist through community health clinics, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies across the State.
Administered as a quick and painless nasal spray, FluMist offers a convenient alternative for children who may be anxious about needles.
The vaccine is safe and effective, providing equivalent protection against influenza A and B to traditional injectable influenza vaccines.
The 2026 WA Influenza Nasal Spray Vaccination Program is expected to increase influenza vaccine uptake among young children and help reduce the spread of influenza across the community during winter.
Influenza can cause serious illness in children, including hospitalisations, even among those who are otherwise healthy.
The Influenza vaccine is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and over, and remains the best protection against serious illness from influenza.
In WA eligible cohorts can access free vaccinations now under the National Immunisation Program for eligible 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; and
- people with serious health conditions.
From 1 May, free State-funded influenza vaccines are available to people who are not otherwise eligible for a free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
For more information about the needle-free influenza vaccine, visit HealthyWA.
Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Vaccination remains the best protection against serious complications from influenza.
"We know that needles can be a barrier for some families, so this needle-free alternative is a real game changer for young children who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from influenza.
"I encourage all Western Australians to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter - this includes getting vaccinated and remembering good hygiene practices.
"This Cook Labor Government initiative is about ensuring all Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, when they need it."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Western Australia is leading the nation by offeringthe most comprehensive free FluMist program.
"This is about protecting our children and our communities.
"Offering a needle-free option makes vaccination more accessible for more children, and we know this will be welcomed by families across the State.
"By increasing vaccination uptake, we can reduce the spread and severity of influenza-related illnesses, which is a huge benefit to our personal health and also our health system."
