New Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine for Children in Australia
- Australia has introduced a needle-free alternative for influenza vaccination for children and adolescents, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registering FluMist for use in the country.
- The introduction of the nasal spray vaccine comes as health authorities seek to increase vaccination rates among youth.
- FluMist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of the influenza strain.
Australia has introduced a needle-free alternative for influenza vaccination for children and adolescents, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registering FluMist for use in the country. The intranasal vaccine is approved for individuals aged 2 to 17 years old, offering a different delivery method to the traditional injection.
The introduction of the nasal spray vaccine comes as health authorities seek to increase vaccination rates among youth. According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, only one in four Australian children under five were vaccinated against influenza last season, while the rate for those aged five to 15 was one in seven.
Mechanism and Composition of FluMist
FluMist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of the influenza strain. This formulation is designed to train the body’s immune system to recognize and respond to the virus without causing the full illness.
The vaccine is a trivalent formulation, providing protection against three influenza virus strains as recommended by the World Health Organization. Dr. Marianne Gale, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, stated that the spray provides protection against the same flu strains found in injectable vaccines.
The administration process involves a simple delivery where children receive one spray in each nostril, eliminating the need for a needle.
Availability and State-Based Programs
FluMist became available on the private market in Australia in early 2026. While it can be purchased privately nationwide, several state governments have launched initiatives to provide the vaccine for free to specific age groups ahead of the 2026 influenza season.
The eligibility for free nasal spray vaccines varies by state:
- New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia are providing the vaccine for children aged 2 up to 5 years old.
- Western Australia is providing the vaccine for children aged 2 up to 11 years old.
In New South Wales, the free program specifically targets eligible children aged 2, 3, and 4 years old.
Public Health Context and Global Use
Although the nasal spray vaccine has been available in the Northern Hemisphere for over 20 years and was introduced in the United Kingdom in 2013, it was only recently approved for use in Australia. Reporting indicates that drug companies had not applied for registration in Australia until more recently.
The primary goal of these government-funded programs is to boost vaccination uptake among young children. By providing a needle-free option, health authorities aim to reduce the incidence of severe illness and lower transmission rates within the community, ultimately reducing influenza-related hospitalizations.
Dr. Marianne Gale, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer
That means it contains tiny amounts of weakened influenza strain and that helps train the body’s immune system to work out how to respond
The TGA registration officially covers children and adolescents from 24 months to less than 18 years of age, ensuring a broad range of eligible recipients for the 2026 peak flu season.