WA becomes fourth state to bring in needle-free flu vaccine

GPs in Western Australia will be able to offer needle-free flu vaccination to young children from next year.
 
The WA Government confirmed on Wednesday it had secured 130,000 doses of the FluMist intranasal vaccine for 2026.
 
It will introduce the vaccine for young patients aged 2–11 years.
 
The South Australian, New South Wales and Queensland governments all announced similar plans last month.
 
RACGP Vice-President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman welcomed the move.
 
‘This decision will save young lives,’ she said.
 
‘Delivering flu vaccinations via an intranasal spray is a step forward in keeping young children, who are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection including hospitalisation, as safe as possible from this virus.
 
‘The intranasal spray is a proven vaccine that will have a significant impact across our state. Many children are fearful of needles and two thirds of parents tell us the level of distress they experience when thinking about vaccinating their child acts as a barrier.
 
‘Intranasal sprays provide the same level of protection and have been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy.
 
‘They’ve been used overseas in Finland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain for years and these countries have seen substantial increases in vaccination coverage in high-risk patient groups.’
 
So far this year, there have been 28,742 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in Western Australia, compared to just over 17,000 in all of last year.
 
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat said 2025 had been the state’s ‘worst flu season on record’.
   
‘This nasal spray gives parents a more comfortable and convenient option for vaccinating their kids – and we believe this will significantly boost vaccine uptake next year,’ she said.
 
This year, 23% of children aged six months to five years in WA have been vaccinated against the flu – the second lowest rate out of all states and territories, with only Queensland (21%) behind.
 
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