Health Protection NSW is rolling out free nasal spray flu vaccinations for 2-4 year olds to increase uptake in young children following the state’s worst flu season on record.
Under the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, the free vaccine – which is sprayed into the nose with one spray into each nostril – will be available for children aged two, three and four years across NSW through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies.
“The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a really simple option for children who are aged two, three and four. It is quick, pain-free and can be provided at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy,” said Executive Director Health Protection NSW, Dr Kerryn Coleman.
“The injectable influenza vaccine is also now available and we are asking everyone to go out and get vaccinated. The earlier you get vaccinated, the sooner you will be protected.”
Last year’s extended flu season saw more than 24,500 cases of influenza (flu) in children under 5 in NSW.
About a quarter of children (24.4%) under 5 were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, which is below the 40% target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024–2028.
In 2025, there were more than 4,600 presentations in children under 5 for influenza-like-illness to emergency departments in NSW and more than 960 admissions in children under 5 to hospitals – a more than 40% increase in 2024 presentations and admissions.
“The most important way we can help reduce the spread, and try to prevent the prolonged influenza season like we saw last year, is to get you and your family vaccinated,” said Dr Coleman.
Across all age groups in 2025, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications. This is a 15.8% jump (25,548 more) than in 2024 and a 79% jump (82,439 more) compared with 2023.
“Having needle-free vaccines for children aged two–four, at no cost to parents, is a game-changing policy,” said Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW/ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman.
“Two thirds of kids, and about a quarter of adults, have a strong fear of needles. As GPs, we know that’s a big barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need.
“For these children and their parents, that barrier is now gone. More young children will be vaccinated, and that means fewer families in hospital and less pressure on our health system.”
For more information on respiratory illness, including to book your flu vaccination, visit:Â https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx.
