General News
20 February, 2026
Needle-free way to deliver flu vaccine to children
A NEEDLE-free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged two to five years will for the first time be offered free of charge to Queenslanders.
The spray, which has been used extensively overseas, will be offered for the first time in Australia as part of the State Government’s commitment to its flu vaccination program.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the nasal spray vaccination was expected to improve vaccine uptake amongst young kids by removing potential distress about needle vaccinations.
From 1 March 2026, Queenslanders will be eligible to receive a free flu vaccine including the needle-free vaccine for eligible children.
The government will also amend legislation that will expand the scope of practice for trained health practitioners, meaning vaccinations can be administered by registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners.
“This change will allow these qualified health practitioners to vaccinate more age groups in a wider range of convenient locations, including workplaces, at community and public events, and in remote First Nations communities,” Mr Nicholls said.
“As vaccines become available throughout March at providers, such as GPs and pharmacies, we’re asking Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccination to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities,” chief health officer Dr Marianne Gale 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.”
