By Blua | Digital health by Bupa
7 minute read
Published 29 March 2026
From the day they’re born, Aussie babies start their immunisation schedule to help protect them from preventable diseases and serious illnesses.
But no parent enjoys the cries of shock and pain some children experience when having a needle. For some, the fear is so significant that seasonal vaccines, like the flu shot, may be missed because it’s too stressful.1
A different vaccine style, delivered via a nasal spray, may help children who struggle with needles this cold and flu season.
In 2025, falling vaccination rates meant that less than 26% of Australian children under 5 were immunised against influenza.1
While most healthy adults will recover from the flu with few complications, in young children and babies influenza can result in serious illness, hospitalisation and even death.
While a flu vaccine cannot prevent a child from getting the flu, it can help reduce the severity of the illness.
While getting a flu jab is unlikely to be your idea of a good time, most adults can grin and bear it.
But some children experience high levels of distress at the mere thought of a needle. The vaccination appointments can be traumatic for the child, parent and even the administering health professional.
The introduction of a needle-free vaccine option for young children could provide a less stressful alternative and may help increase Australia’s dropping vaccination rates.
Intranasal flu vaccines have been widely used in places including the UK, USA, Canada and across Europe. They are now being offered for the first time for children aged 2-17 years in Australia.
The medication is administered by a health professional who sprays one dose into each nostril.
Studies show that the nasal vaccine provides the same level of protection as the injectable, with both reducing the risk of infection by up to 60%.3
With similar side effects to the injectable vaccine, the needle-free option3 is considered safe and has been used in the USA since 2003.
Mild side-effects include a runny nose, sore throat and fever. Your child may not be eligible for the vaccine if they have asthma, lung disease or are immunocompromised. Talk to your GP to get advice.
In Australia, the nasal spray flu vaccine is available for children aged 2 to under 18 years.4
Some pharmacies may be able to sell the vaccine, but it must be administered by a health professional and not used at home.5
Whether it’s free or paid depends on where you live. Each state and territory decides its own vaccine programs, including which age groups are eligible for funded vaccines.
In some areas, the nasal spray vaccine may be offered free to younger children through state programs. In others, it may only be available on the private market.
To find out what’s available in your area, including eligibility and cost, visit your state or territory health department website or speak with your GP or pharmacist.
You can also check the latest guidance through the Australian Government’s immunisation resources.6
Visit your state or territory health department to find out more about cost and availability in your area.
Victoria’s Department of Health
Western Australia’s Department of Health
Northern Territory Government Health
The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides clinical details about vaccines, including the nasal spray flu vaccine and age appropriate recommendations.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care offers official information on flu vaccination, including how to get vaccinated and consumer fact sheets.
The 2026 influenza (flu) vaccination consumer fact sheet from the Australian Government gives clear information about the annual flu vaccination program.
The NCIRS influenza vaccine FAQs covers questions about flu vaccines and notes that the intranasal vaccine is approved and will be available in Australia.
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
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1 RACGP. (2025). Needle-less flu vaccination to tackle low uptake in young children.
2 Immunisation Coalition. (2025). Influenza and children.
3 Blyth, C., & Cheng, A. (2026). What is Flumist, the new flu vaccine for kids sprayed in their noses? University of Western Australia.
4 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. (2026). FluMist (influenza vaccine).
5 NSW Health. (2026). Winter respiratory vaccination toolkit. NSW Government.
6 Department of Health and Aged Care. (2026). Immunisation information for the public.
