Queensland Health’s expanded free flu vaccination program to include a needle-free nasal spray for children.
The FluMist Vaccine provides a needle-free vaccination option, which is now being supplied to General Practitioners and Pharmacies, for children aged two to five-years-old.
The Government has also amended legislation to expand the scope of practice for trained health practitioners, meaning vaccinations can now be administered by registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners in any location.
Since the start of 2026, more than 6,690 Queenslanders have tested positive to influenza. It follows almost 100,000 confirmed flu cases in 2025, with 9,687 people hospitalised.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls said the Government was delivering the largest free flu vaccination program in Australia.
“The Crisafulli Government is making it easier than ever before to get vaccinated,” Minister Nicholls said.
“This is the first time a nasal spray vaccination is available in Australia, and it’s a real game-changer because many parents would understand the distress of getting a young child vaccinated.
“The needle-free flu vaccine takes much of the anxiety out of the vaccination experience and will make it easier for clinicians to administer the flu vaccine and ensure more children are protected from influenza.
“Unlike the former Labor Government who left the flu vaccines program unfunded, we are delivering easier access to health services and keeping Queensland families well.”
To find out more about the program, and where to get your vaccination, visit the Queensland Health Flu Vaccination website.
