Aged 2–17 now eligible for free needle-free flu vaccine in Queensland, in the largest state program of its kind in Australia.
The Queensland Government has expanded its free needle-free influenza vaccination program to include all individuals under 18 years of age. Previously, the FluMist nasal spray vaccine was available at no cost for children aged two to five. The expansion also allows access for those aged 6 to 17 who have difficulty with needles, making it the largest program of its kind in Australia.
This initiative is part of a broader, state-funded free flu vaccination program available to all Queensland residents aged six months and older, which runs from March 1 to September 30, 2026. The vaccine is available through general practices, community pharmacies, and vaccination clinics.
Program Details and Rationale
Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the expansion, stating that the decision was made in part to prevent wastage of the nasal spray, which has a shorter shelf life than injectable vaccines. Most doses of the nasal spray are expected to expire in August, and all FluMist supplies are projected to be unavailable nationally after that time.
Government data indicates a 30% increase in flu vaccination uptake among the 2–5 age cohort since the introduction of the free nasal spray.
As of mid-May 2026, nearly 30,000 children in that age group had received the nasal spray, compared to approximately 20,000 at the same time in 2025.
Vaccination Uptake Data
As of May 2026, approximately 1.2 million Queenslanders have been vaccinated for influenza this year, representing roughly 20% of the state's population. This rate is similar to the same period in 2025. In 2025, Queensland reported the lowest flu vaccination rate of any Australian state or territory, at less than 28%.
Year-to-date data for 2026 shows 936 influenza-related hospitalizations in Queensland. This compares to 2,067 at the same time in 2025 and 1,730 in 2024.
2025 Influenza Season
Queensland recorded more than 95,000 confirmed influenza cases in 2025, a 21% increase from the previous year and the highest annual total in a decade. Over 9,100 people required hospital treatment, and there were nearly 290 flu-related deaths.
During the peak season, an average of 227 public hospital beds were occupied by flu patients, with nearly half of those patients aged over 65. Government data indicated that approximately 74% of flu-related hospitalizations and 63% of flu-related deaths occurred among unvaccinated individuals. Nationally, influenza caused over 1,700 deaths and half a million laboratory-confirmed cases in 2025.
Statements from Officials
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr. Marianne Gale stated that current low flu rates could lead to vaccine complacency, as people may not feel pressured to get vaccinated when illness is not widespread. She encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland President Hannah Knowles stated that extending the eligibility for FluMist removes a vaccination barrier and may increase vaccination rates. She noted that community pharmacies are positioned to support children and families.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Queensland Chair Dr. Cath Hester stated that the needle-free option removes a barrier for some children and families and may support higher vaccination uptake. She stated that GPs are best placed to guide families on the most appropriate vaccine option.
Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, stated that vaccination is the most effective way to reduce serious illness and limit pressure on hospitals. He encouraged early vaccination, noting it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to reach maximum effectiveness.
Legislative Changes
The Queensland Government plans to amend legislation to authorize trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to administer vaccines to more age groups in more locations for a wider range of vaccine-preventable diseases. The PSA has supported these changes, stating they are intended to improve access to care and strengthen the health system.
Comparison with Other States
Government-funded access and age eligibility for FluMist vary across Australian states and territories:
- Western Australia: Ages 2–11
- New South Wales: Ages 2–17 (expanded in May 2026 from ages 2–4)
- South Australia: Ages 2–4
- Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria: Vaccine available for ages 2–17, but no state-funded programs are offered.
RACGP chairs in Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory have called for expansions of free programs in their jurisdictions.
Political Response
Opposition Leader Steven Miles supported the extension of the free flu vaccine program but criticized Premier David Crisafulli for his previous refusal to disclose his influenza vaccination status. Premier Crisafulli had stated that his vaccination status was a private matter between him and his doctor.
Minister Nicholls received his flu vaccination on Tuesday. Premier Crisafulli confirmed he received one in 2026, and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated he intends to get one.
Record Medical Intern Intake
In a related development, Queensland Health reported its largest-ever intake of medical interns, with 931 graduate doctors scheduled to begin rotations across the state’s hospitals in 2026. Health Minister Tim Nicholls stated that this intake surpasses those in New South Wales and Victoria for the same period. The new doctors will undertake five 10-week rotations in various specialties at facilities from Brisbane to regional centers. This intake occurs as modelling indicates an additional 46,000 health workers will be required in Queensland over the next decade.