From 2026, children in WA aged from 2 to under 12 years will be eligible for FluMist, a needle-free influenza vaccine – a significant advancement in helping to protect children from influenza.
Over 130,000 intranasal FluMist vaccines are planned to be delivered across Western Australia. This innovative vaccine is administered via a quick nasal spray that contains small amounts of weakened influenza viruses. These viruses work by mimicking a natural infection to help build immunity, and the vaccine remains effective even if a child sneezes shortly after administration.
FluMist offers a safe, child-friendly alternative to traditional injections, designed to increase vaccination uptake. It has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and, like other influenza vaccines, will be updated annually to match circulating flu strains.
Influenza poses serious risks beyond a typical cold, especially for children, and can lead to hospitalisation. Currently, only 17 per cent of children aged 2 to under 12 years in WA are vaccinated against influenza. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from severe illness.
