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New South Wales Offers Free Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine to Children Aged Two to Four
New South Wales has introduced free nasal spray flu vaccinations for children aged two to four, following similar programs in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. The initiative aims to address declining vaccination rates among young children, who face higher risks from influenza. Traditional flu shots remain free for children under five and other priority groups.
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New South Wales (NSW) has launched a program providing free nasal spray flu vaccinations to children aged two to four. This follows similar initiatives in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. The nasal spray is administered with one spray into each nostril.
The program targets hundreds of thousands of children in NSW. NSW and South Australia fund the vaccine for children aged two to four inclusive. Queensland provides it for children aged two to five, while Western Australia funds it for children aged two to 11.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced the program on Tuesday. The nasal spray is available to anyone in Australia aged over two and under 18, but those outside the funded states or age ranges must pay approximately $50 to $70. " — Ryan Park, NSW Health Minister (The Guardian) Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months old.
Children under five are at higher risk of serious illness from influenza. 6% in 2020, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
In NSW, less than a quarter of children under five received a flu vaccine in 2025, below the state's 40% target outlined in its 2024-28 immunisation strategy.
During the previous flu season, NSW recorded more than 24,500 influenza cases in children under five. Emergency departments handled over 4,600 presentations for influenza-like illness in this age group in 2025, leading to more than 960 hospital admissions, a 40% increase from prior levels.
The traditional injectable flu vaccine remains free for children aged six months to under five, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, individuals over 65, and those with serious health conditions.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in Victoria has advocated for expanding free access to the nasal spray nationwide to increase uptake and reduce hospital pressures. No further implementation details were provided in the announcement.
