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'As easy as it is lifesaving': NSW GPs praise flu vaccine initiative

Royal Australian College of GPs

New South Wales children aged two–five years will be able to receive needle-free influenza vaccinations via their GP ahead of flu season in 2026, a move the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called a game-changing relief for parents.

 Rather than needles – a major barrier to vaccination – GPs will deliver these vaccines via a spray into a child’s nose. They provide the same protection as current vaccinations for this age group.

The RACGP called for the NSW Government to fund needle-free flu vaccinations for young children last month,

and NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman praised the Minns Government initiative as a game changer.

“Needle-free vaccine access, at no cost to families, will be as easy as it is lifesaving,” she said.

“We’ve seen falling immunisation rates among children under five, from more than 44% in 2020 to under 26% by the end of August this year. These kids are among the most at risk from a severe flu infection, so we need to boost immunity.

“No-cost needle-free vaccines is a game-changing policy from the NSW Government. Two thirds of parents say the distress about vaccinating their child is a barrier.

“No one likes injections, and even about a quarter of adults have a severe fear of needles. As GPs, we know that’s a barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need, and this Minns Government initiative breaks that barrier.

“Needle-free vaccines have been used overseas and thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy.

“Next year, these kids’ experience of vaccination won’t be a scary needle, just a quick spray up the nose – at no cost to parents. That’s a relief for parents as much as it is children.”

The NSW Government says it expects the vaccine will also be available for other age groups in the private market, depending on regulatory approval.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Australia and NSW have experienced the most influenza cases on record – with 2025 a potential record.

So far in 2025, there have been 138,021 lab-confirmed influenza cases in NSW. While this trails the record-breaking number of cases in NSW in 2024, 161,535, Australia has had 362,860 nationwide in 2025 compared to 365,590 in 2024 – meaning by the end of the year, 2025 will likely set a record for Australia.

Dr Hoffman said the nasal vaccine will likely keep more children safe and reduce hospitalisations, but warned that everyone must act to tackle reduced flu immunity.

“For parents, taking a young child to hospital with severe flu is terrifying,” she said.

“It’s also too common. There have been more than 3000 influenza-like illness presentations to our emergency departments for in children under five. Over 600 have been admitted to hospital.

“Vaccination is the best way prevent hospitalisations, and to stop flu from spreading in the community. Needle-free vaccination, at no cost to parents, will help reduce hospitalisations and the stress that puts families under.”

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.

The RACGP is calling on other states to follow suit in making flu vaccination more accessible and less stressful for families.

~ENDS

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

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