Free Flu Vaccine: QLD Offers Nasal Spray for Kids & Expanded Access | 2026 Update

Queensland families now have access to a modern option for protecting their young children against the flu, with the state government rolling out a fully funded program offering a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for children aged two to five. This initiative, the largest free flu vaccine program in Australia, aims to ease vaccine anxieties and increase uptake among a vulnerable age group.

The FluMist vaccine, as it’s known, is being distributed to General Practitioners and pharmacies across Queensland. The $31 million program represents a significant shift in approach compared to previous years, where the flu vaccine program was left unfunded by the former Labor government, according to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls. This year’s program comes as Queensland has already seen over 6,690 confirmed cases of influenza since the start of 2026, following nearly 100,000 cases in 2025, which led to 9,687 hospitalizations.

Understanding Influenza and Vaccination

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. While most people recover within a week or two, the flu can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive information on influenza, its prevention, and treatment.

Traditional flu vaccines are administered via injection, which can be a source of anxiety for both children and their parents. The FluMist vaccine offers an alternative, delivering the vaccine directly into the nasal passages using a gentle spray. This method avoids the use of a needle, potentially reducing fear and distress associated with vaccination.

How FluMist Works and What the Evidence Shows

FluMist is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). This means it contains a weakened form of the influenza virus. The weakened virus stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the flu, providing protection against future infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains the different types of influenza vaccines and how they work. While LAIV has been used in other countries for some time, its availability in Australia has been limited until now.

Studies have shown that LAIV is effective in preventing influenza in children. However, it’s important to note that, like all vaccines, it’s not 100% effective. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies each year depending on how well the vaccine strains match the circulating flu viruses.

Expanding Access to Vaccination in Queensland

Beyond the introduction of FluMist, the Crisafulli Government has too taken steps to broaden access to flu vaccinations across the state. Legislation has been amended to allow trained health practitioners – including registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners – to administer vaccinations in various locations. This expanded scope of practice aims to make it easier for Queenslanders to get vaccinated, particularly in rural and remote areas.

This move addresses a critical issue highlighted in recent years: a decline in access to health services. The government acknowledges a “decade of decline” under the previous administration, which led to issues like soaring ambulance ramping rates and lengthy elective surgery waitlists. While the government states that it will take time to fully address these challenges, the expanded vaccination program and broadened scope of practice represent immediate steps towards improving healthcare access.

Current Flu Activity and Ongoing Monitoring

As of early March 2026, Queensland is experiencing ongoing influenza activity. The more than 6,690 confirmed cases reported since the start of the year underscore the importance of vaccination. Public health officials are closely monitoring flu trends and providing updates to the public. Queensland Health’s surveillance reports offer detailed information on influenza activity in the state.

Ramping rates at Queensland hospitals have reportedly reached a five-year low, at 37.3% in the last quarter of 2025, and elective surgery rates are stable at 60,785, down from a peak of 66,632 after the election. These improvements, alongside the expanded vaccination program, signal a commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system.

What to Expect and Where to Find More Information

The Crisafulli Government encourages all eligible Queenslanders to take advantage of the free flu vaccination program. Parents are particularly encouraged to consider the FluMist vaccine for their children aged two to five, as it offers a needle-free option that may reduce anxiety and improve vaccination rates.

To find a vaccination provider near you, contact your local General Practitioner or pharmacy. You can also visit the Queensland Health website for more information on the flu vaccine program and influenza prevention. It’s important to remember that vaccination is just one part of preventing the spread of influenza. Excellent hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, are also essential.

The government is committed to continuing to pull “every lever possible” to reduce ramping and improve elective surgery access, while also prioritizing preventative measures like vaccination to keep Queensland families well.