The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has applauded the Queensland Government's announcement of no-cost needle-free influenza vaccinations for children aged 2–5 ahead of the 2026 flu season.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester praised the initiative as a major step forward in public health.
"Needle-free vaccine access, at no cost to families, will save lives and save families the terrifying experience of having your young child in hospital," Dr Hester said.
"These needle-free vaccines have been tested extensively overseas. They've been shown to be safe and effective, and they mean parents and young children's experience of vaccination isn't a needle, just a quick spray.
"It'll be a revolution for Queensland families. This means no-tears protection from severe flu, at no cost.
"Vaccination is the best way to stop the flu from spreading in the community. The more people, especially the young, who can receive vaccination, the more we can prevent serious illness or hospitalisation."
The new program will provide free needle-free flu vaccines to children aged 2–5 years, a move Dr Hester says will ease the concerns of many parents and carers.
"Funding access to this new vaccine will help relieve the stress many parents feel when it comes to giving small children an injection," she said.
"Around two thirds of parents say they feel distressed about vaccinating their child against influenza, and that's true among both those who intend to vaccinate and those who do not. Needles are a huge barrier – about a quarter of us have a strong fear of needles.
"This breaks that barrier. That matters because young kids are particularly vulnerable to the severe effects of the flu.
"A needle-free option will reduce anxiety for those who are needle-averse and help boost vaccination rates."
Dr Hester also highlighted the broader impact of increased flu vaccination coverage.
"Stopping the spread of these viruses and boosting vaccination rates, including for the flu, relieves pressure on our entire healthcare system, including our hospitals," she said.
The past two years are among the worst years on record for flu cases in Queensland and Australia. So far in 2025, there have been 74,892 lab-confirmed influenza cases in Queensland, and 362,860 nationwide.
In 2024, which had the most cases on record even when adjusted for population, Queensland had 79,798 influenza cases, and Australia 365,590 – meaning by the end of the year, 2025 may be a record for Queensland and Australia.
"With new cases still evident, it is almost certain Australia will have more flu cases than previous years, potentially making 2025 a new record year for the number of lab-confirmed flu cases," Dr Hester said.
Deaths from influenza from 1 January–31 July 2025 are also significant, both in Queensland (94) and, Australia (470).
Earlier this year, the RACGP urged Australians to protect themselves and others against influenza, warning of rising case numbers and hospitalisations during the peak winter months.
The RACGP is calling on other states to follow suit in making flu vaccination more accessible and less stressful for families.
~
