A no-needle influenza vaccine for children aged two to five will be available for the first time, aiming to raise the state's immunisation rates ahead of the start of the 2026 flu season.
Most children will only require one dose of the nasal spray, however, some children who haven't previously been vaccinated may need to receive two doses, four weeks apart.
While there has been an increase in the number of South Australian children vaccinated in 2025 – 24.8 per cent compared to 24 per cent in 2024, it's critical that number increases and we see a higher uptake in young children. In 2025, children younger than five experienced one of the highest rates of flu across the state, with 4,091 cases and 430 hospitalisations.
While improving vaccination rates for children under five is crucial, all South Australians aged six months and over are recommended to receive a flu vaccine. Vaccination needs to be annual, as the virus can change each year.
Through the National Immunisation Program, the injectable flu vaccine is free for about 600,000 South Australians who are most at risk of influenza, including children between six months and five years, people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians, and people with specific health conditions.
These vulnerable groups are the focus of the campaign because if they were to contract the flu, they would be more likely to require hospitalisation. By focusing on these vulnerable groups, in line with expert public health advice, we were the most successful mainland state in the rollout of the flu vaccine – last season, we were the highest of all the mainland states at 34.9 per cent vaccinated.
In 2025, there were 36,243 cases of influenza reported across the state, compared to 22,936 cases the previous year. Symptoms can include high fever, aches and pains, headaches, cough, sore throat and runny nose, low energy, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
South Australians who aren't eligible for the National Immunisation Program can still access influenza vaccines through their local general practitioner, pharmacist, Aboriginal Health Service, or council clinic. Vaccination is recommended for anyone aged six months and older to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill or developing complications from influenza.
Additionally, SA Health has developed a 2026 Winter Demand Plan to ensure the health system is well prepared to meet increased demand on public hospital emergency departments.
The plan focuses on strengthening system capacity and improving access to care through a range of coordinated initiatives, including:
- Hospital capacity has been significantly expanded across the state, with more than 230 beds added since May 2025 across medical, surgical, mental health, and transition care services.
- This expanded capacity will continue to support the system over the coming winter period, alongside an additional 34 beds opening across the Margaret Tobin Centre, Modbury Hospital, and Mount Gambier Hospital.
- Community-based and alternative care pathways will also be expanded, including increased access to telehealth services, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, and expanded care available through 24/7 pharmacies.
- More than 500,000 people have accessed support through the 24/7 existing pharmacies.
- Three new pharmacies are opening in 2026 in Adelaide's west, northeast, and Adelaide Hills and will further improve access and reduce pressure on hospitals.
- From May 2026, some pharmacies will begin offering expanded services through government-supported training programs.
More information about the free influenza vaccine options for children under five years can be found on the SA Health website.
As put by Blair Boyer
This no needle influenza vaccine gives families a more child friendly option to protect young children from serious illness, while helping to reduce anxiety around vaccination, which can be tricky for families to manage.
Vaccinating children early against the flu can play a really important role in preventing severe illness and reducing avoidable hospital admissions during the winter months.
Providing free and accessible influenza vaccines for those most at risk ensures South Australians can protect themselves and their loved ones, regardless of age or circumstance.
As put by Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier
As a paediatrician, I know how critically ill young children can become when they catch influenza, placing enormous stress and strain on families. Like adults, children also need to be vaccinated every year against influenza because the circulating strain varies.
While it's important for South Australians to get vaccinated, children younger than five years, and older Australians are at greater risk of influenza-related complications than the general population.
Parents, please book your little ones in for their annual vaccination as we approach the winter season.
As we know, prevention is always better than cure, particularly for influenza.
As put by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Chair Dr Siân Goodson
Around two-thirds of children and a quarter of adults have a strong fear of needles, and that's been a barrier to vaccinating young children who are more at risk of a severe flu infection.
Giving parents free access to a no-needle influenza vaccination for kids aged two to five through their GP will be an enormous relief and help more families avoid stressful hospital visits this winter.
Everyone six months and older is recommended to get an influenza flu vaccination, especially anyone who is under five, over 65, pregnant, or at risk of severe illness.
The injectable influenza vaccine is widely available and free for those most at risk of a severe infection. Your GP can provide guidance on the most suitable influenza vaccine for you, taking your family's health and any pre-existing health conditions into account.
