What is the new nasal flu spray vaccine?
A new influenza vaccine administered as a nasal spray will be rolled out for young children in Australia ahead of the 2026 flu season. The intranasal vaccine is needle-free, offering a convenient alternative to injections for children aged two to five. In announcing the rollout on September 16, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners described the needle-free option as “as easy as it is lifesaving.” Illawarra GP Dr Julie Blaze welcomed the development, highlighting its potential to remove a barrier for families who hesitate to vaccinate.
Why target children aged two to five?
Children under five are among the highest-risk groups for influenza-related complications. Health experts have noted a worrying drop in vaccination rates in this age group, which could leave youngsters more vulnerable to severe illness. The intranasal option is intended to broaden access and give clinicians another tool to protect the very young from the flu.
What the data show about vaccination trends
National immunisation data indicate that coverage for children under five has fallen from more than 44% in 2020 to below 26% by August 2025, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia. The new spray vaccine arrives as authorities respond to those declines with additional delivery options and targeted outreach to families who may otherwise skip immunisations.
Could the spray reduce hospitalisations?
Proponents argue that increasing vaccination uptake in early childhood could help prevent influenza-related hospitalisations. Dr Blaze notes that this season has already produced a high level of illness in young children, with hospital admissions that might have been avoided with higher vaccination coverage. NSW Health data show more than 18,600 flu cases among children under five so far this year, placing the cohort behind only five-to-nine-year-olds in terms of impact. In the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District alone, almost 6,000 flu infections have been recorded across all ages in the first eight months of the year.
Addressing fatigue and misinformation
Experts acknowledge vaccine fatigue following COVID-19 and a surge of online misinformation. Dr Blaze urged the public to seek information from trusted sources and be wary of misleading claims, saying, “You need to go to a trusted source and try not to read the rubbish.” Health leaders emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective defence against influenza for children and the community.
What families should know about the rollout
The intranasal vaccine is designed for two-to-five-year-olds and will be offered through standard immunisation services. Parents should talk with their child’s GP or immunisation provider to determine eligibility and to schedule doses in the lead-up to next year’s flu season. While the spray is easier to administer, it complements rather than replaces the annual vaccination recommended for at-risk groups and households with vulnerable people.
Looking ahead
Health authorities hope the nasal spray option will boost overall vaccination participation and help reduce severe flu outcomes among Australian children. As the 2026 season approaches, clinics are preparing information and outreach campaigns to ensure families understand how to access the spray and why timely vaccination matters for child health and the broader community.
