Rollout overview: Intranasal FluMist for young children
A new influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal spray will be rolled out for children aged two to five in Australia ahead of the 2026 flu season. The intranasal formulation is needle-free and is touted by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as “as easy as it is lifesaving,” a sentiment echoed by Illawarra GP Dr Julie Blaze.
Public health rationale
Influenza can pose a serious risk to young children, and expanding vaccination options may help address barriers that some families face when it comes to protection. Health professionals say a simpler delivery method could lift uptake in a group with historically higher hospitalisation rates due to flu.
Vaccination trends and impact
National data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance show vaccination rates for children under five dropping from more than 44% in 2020 to under 26% in August 2025. NSW Health figures indicate more than 18,600 flu cases among under-fives so far this year, making that age group the second most affected after five to nine-year-olds. In the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, almost 6,000 flu infections were recorded across all ages in the first eight months of the year.
Voices from the front line
Dr Julie Blaze, a GP in the Illawarra region, welcomed the announcement, saying the new option could help counter ongoing vaccination fatigue. “It’s good to have extra options because the concern is that there have been dropping rates of vaccination. If there’s an alternate delivery system, then that’s certainly giving people who that is a barrier for another option,” she said.
Addressing fatigue and misinformation
Experts caution that vaccine fatigue from COVID-19 and a wave of medical misinformation online can influence decisions. Dr Blaze stressed the importance of relying on trusted sources and consulting a GP or local immunisation clinic for accurate information, rather than chasing unfounded online posts.
What this means for families
The nasal spray provides a flexible option for caregivers of two- to five-year-olds. If your child falls within this age range, speak with your GP or immunisation provider about availability as the 2026 season approaches. As with all vaccines, discuss any allergies or chronic conditions with a healthcare professional and follow local immunisation guidelines.
Looking ahead
Health authorities hope the rollout of the nasal spray will improve protection among young children and reduce hospitalisations during flu peaks. While the pace of implementation will depend on logistics and demand, the aim is clear: broader access to a child-friendly vaccine that supports families and strengthens public health.
