'A lifesaving move': SA GPs praise intranasal flu vaccine announcement

From next year, South Australian children aged 2–5 years will be able to receive needle-free influenza vaccinations via their GP, a move the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has described as “lifesaving”. 

Needles act as a major barrier to childhood vaccinations, and from 2026, GPs will deliver these vaccines via a spray into a child’s nose. These needle-free sprays provide the same protection as current vaccinations.  

It comes following the College calling on governments to urgently expand free vaccination access statewide, including the new intranasal influenza vaccine for young children.   

RACGP South Australia Chair, Dr Sian Goodson, welcomed the news. 

“We’re throwing our support behind needle-free influenza vaccine access, at no cost to families. This is a lifesaving move,” she said. 

“This announcement couldn’t come at a better time. Unfortunately, we’re seeing falling immunisation rates among children under five nationwide, from more than 44% in 2020 to under 26% by the end of August this year. In South Australia, just 28.8% of children aged six months to five years are vaccinated against the flu this year, and these kids are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection, so we need to boost those numbers. 

“Intranasal sprays will have a significant impact. We know that many children are fearful of needles, and that two thirds of parents say the distress about vaccinating their child is a barrier.  

“It’s not just children either, no one likes injections, and even about a quarter of adults have a severe fear of needles. So, taking steps to breaking down that barrier will help us achieve greater community-wide immunity, which is vital in stopping the spread of this virus.” 

Dr Goodson said that the intranasal sprays were proven to work. 

“These needle-free vaccines have been used overseas and thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy,” she said. 

“So, in 2026, children across South Australia won’t experience the fear of a needle when receiving their flu vaccination, just a quick spray up the nose at no cost to their parents. It’s such a relief for families across the state, and I encourage everyone to make sure they receive their flu vaccination every year.  

“Influenza is a virus that can have severe effects and land people in hospital, or worse. So far in 2025, 178 children aged 2-4 years have been hospitalised with influenza. This can happen to otherwise young and healthy adults too, so please spread the word to people in your life to take the flu seriously.” 

So far in 2025, there have been more than 26,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases in South Australia, and almost 375,000 cases nationwide. 

Earlier this year, the RACGP urged Australians to protect themselves and others against influenza, warning of rising case numbers and hospitalisations during the peak winter months.  

~ENDS 

RACGP spokespeople are available for interviews: 03 8699 0992 / [email protected].