New flu vaccine for children available this winter

Many kids are scared of getting needles, and this can stop them getting vaccinations that protect that against the flu. Less than one in four Australian children were vaccinated against influenza in 2025.

This winter, Australian families have another option. A nasal flu vaccine called FluMist will be available for the first time for children aged 2–17 years.

FluMist is a needle-free alternative to the existing influenza vaccines. Nasal flu vaccines are widely used in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and the United States.

Recent studies in which both injectable and nasal flu vaccines are available suggest parents prefer a nasal vaccine, particularly when they’re hesitant about vaccination. As such, the nasal option could increase vaccination coverage in Australia and reduce the spread of flu, not only in children but potentially in the wider community.

Read more here.