GPs are calling on the Victorian Government to follow the lead of other states and territories and introduce needle-free influenza vaccinations for young children.
It comes following the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) throwing its support behind Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia introducing free intranasal influenza vaccinations for children aged two to five via their GP next year ahead of the 2026 flu season.
RACGP Victoria Chair, Dr Anita Munoz, said that Victorian families deserved the same.
"It's time to act and save young lives," she said.
"Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia will be delivering these vaccinations to young children next year, and there is no reason why Victorian families should be left behind. I can't think of a more cost-effective and necessary healthcare measure than free intranasal vaccinations for young children, who are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection, including hospitalisation.
"These intranasal sprays will make such a difference, because we know that many children are fearful of needles, and that two thirds of parents say the distress about vaccinating their child acts as a barrier. These needle-free sprays provide the same protection as current vaccinations, have been used overseas, thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy, and resulted in substantial increases in vaccination coverage in key patient groups."
Dr Munoz warned that influenza must be taken seriously.
"In 2025, flu rates sky-rocketed and vaccination rates fell," she said.
"This created the perfect storm for more people in the community catching the flu and suffering severe effects, including hospitalisation, or worse. In 2025, there have been more than 85,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu state-wide, an increase of more than 13,000 compared to last year. This is part of a national trend, this year we've had more than 386,000 flu cases nationwide, the highest number ever recorded in Australia.
"At the same time, not enough people, including families with young children, are getting a flu vaccination. This year in Victoria, just 30.4% of children aged six months to five years are vaccinated against the flu. It's vital we lift those rates next flu season, lives are at risk. So, my message to all Victorian families is to make sure your children are vaccinated.
"Keep in mind though that it's not just young kids who can experience severe effects from this virus. Even otherwise young and healthy adults can end up in hospital too, so please spread the word to people in your life to get vaccinated. I suspect following the very successful COVID-19 vaccination rollout, there is a level of 'vaccine fatigue' in the community; however, the flu must be taken seriously."
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.
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