GPs are calling on the Australian Capital Territory Government to follow the lead of other states and territories and introduce needle-free influenza vaccinations for children.
It comes following the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) throwing its support behind Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia introducing free intranasal influenza vaccinations for children via their GP next year ahead of the 2026 flu season. 2025 saw Australia record its highest-ever number of lab-confirmed flu numbers at more than 390,000 cases.
RACGP NSW and ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman, said that ACT families deserve nothing less.
"Other states and territories have already announced free intranasal flu vaccinations for young children; it's time for us to catch up. If the Government does so, young lives will be saved," she said.
"This is a cost-effective and necessary step to keep young children, who are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection including hospitalisation, as safe as possible.
"There is no reason why families in the ACT should be denied access to a lifesaving vaccine that will be rolled out in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia next year ahead of the 2026 flu season. This is a virus that doesn't discriminate, it strikes communities every year leaving patients in hospital in a serious condition, or worse."
Dr Hoffman said that the intranasal spray is a proven vaccine that will have a significant impact in the ACT.
"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," she said.
"These needle-free sprays provide the same level of protection. They've been used overseas in countries such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, and Spain for years and have been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. These countries have seen substantial increases in vaccination coverage in high-risk patient groups."
The RACGP ACT and NSW Chair said that the new intranasal vaccine couldn't come at a more important time.
"This year in the ACT, and across Australia, we saw flu rates rise, and vaccination rates fall – a deadly combination," she said.
"There were more than 7,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in the ACT this year, compared to 4,839 in all of 2024. This is part of a national trend, this year we've had more than 390,000 flu cases nationwide.
"As case numbers rise, not enough patients, including families with young children, are getting a flu jab. In 2025, 48.4% of children aged six months to five years are vaccinated against the flu. This compares favourably to other states and territories; however, it's vital that we lift those rates even higher next year.
"Measures such as staying home when sick and coughing or sneezing into your elbow are helpful, but the decisive factor in reducing high flu case numbers is having more people in the community vaccinated. When flu rates rise, it's particularly dangerous for those more vulnerable to experiencing severe effects. This includes not only young children, but also older patients, the immunocompromised and people with serious health conditions. Remember though that anyone, even otherwise young and healthy adults, can end up in hospital after contracting this virus.
"So, please spread the word to people in your life to get vaccinated every year. The COVID-19 vaccination rollout, while extremely successful, has potentially led to a certain level of 'vaccine fatigue' in the community with patients approaching vaccinations for other diseases less seriously, and we must reverse this trend."
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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