Needle-free, nasal spray influenza vaccines will be rolled out for young Queensland children during this year’s flu season.
The state government has confirmed it is extending its free flu jab program for another year, which will commence in March and end in September.
It will include a nasal spray vaccine for kids aged two to five years, in what Health Minister Tim Nicholls said was an Australian first.
“This nasal spray vaccination is expected to improve vaccine uptake amongst young kids by removing potential distress about needle vaccinations,” he said.
Growing scepticism about flu vaccines marks season
The free flu vaccine program applies to all Queenslanders aged six months and over — and can be accessed at GP clinics, pharmacies, or community centres.
As of December 14 last year, Queensland had recorded more than 95,000 influenza cases, which was 21 per cent higher than at the same time the previous year.
There were also over 300 deaths related to the flu in 2025.
According to the government, about 74 per cent of flu-related hospitalisations and 63 per cent of flu-related deaths were among those who were unvaccinated.
Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale urged Queenslanders to get the flu jab.
“No-one wants to be stuck in bed, or in hospital, missing work, school, family events or holidays, and that’s why prevention matters,” she said.
“The free flu vaccination program aims to reduce demand on healthcare services by lowering the number and severity of avoidable hospital admissions, leading to fewer occupied hospital bed days.”
Dr Marianne Gale has urged Queenslanders not to skip the influenza vaccine. (ABC News: Christopher Gillette)
Families with children aged over five who also want the spray vaccine will need to pay for it privately.
“We don’t know exactly yet what the prices will be,” Dr Gale said.
“Our priority [for funding the spray] is focusing on the age groups that are most at risk of severe illness and that is really our younger children.”
The new CHO said the influenza spray is approved in Australia for use in children aged from two to 17 years old, inclusive.
Last year, 1.74 million Queenslanders got the flu vaccine, which equated to about 28 per cent of the eligible population.
Opposition Leader Steven Miles welcomed the announcement of the free flu vaccine extension.
But he also hit out at Premier David Crisafulli’s decision last year not to say whether he had got the influenza vaccine.
Steven Miles criticised David Crisafulli’s refusal last year to say whether he had had the vaccine or not. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
“We welcome their decision to provide the vaccine for free, but we call on them to end the mixed messages,” Mr Miles said.
At the time, Mr Crisafulli suggested his vaccination status was between him and his doctor.
In June, there was a 48-hour pause on elective surgeries at Queensland’s largest hospitals because they were overwhelmed by patients with the flu and COVID-19.