Needle-free flu vaccine for WA children ahead of 2026 season
CAHS A/CE Michael Hutchings, Professor Chris Blyth, Director General Dr Shirley Bowen with Elsie and her mum.
06/10/2025
Western Australian children aged two to under 12 will soon have access to a new, needle-free flu vaccine as part of a major initiative to improve immunisation rates and reduce the impact of influenza across the state.
The vaccine, known as FluMist, is administered as a gentle nasal spray and provides the same protection against influenza A and B as traditional injectable vaccines.
Approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, FluMist has been widely used overseas since 2003, with millions of children vaccinated in the Northern Hemisphere.
Its needle-free delivery makes it particularly suitable for children with needle anxiety, helping ease concerns for both parents and caregivers.
The WA Government is investing $7.24 million to deliver 130,000 free doses of FluMist ahead of the 2026 flu season.
Vaccines will be available through general practitioners, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies.
Influenza continues to pose a serious health risk to children in WA.
To date in 2025, around 25 per cent of flu notifications have been among children aged two to under 12.
More than 17,000 children have presented to emergency departments with respiratory illnesses, and over 1,300 have required hospital admission.
Despite this, only 17 per cent of children in this age group are currently vaccinated against influenza.
Minister for Health, the Hon Meredith Hammat MLA, praised the initiative highlighting the benefits of the nasal spray.
“Offering a needle-free option gives parents a more comfortable and convenient choice, one that we expect will significantly increase uptake and reduce pressure on our health system,” she said.
The FluMist program aims to increase vaccination uptake, reduce community transmission, and alleviate pressure on hospitals during peak flu season.
The vaccine, known as FluMist, is administered as a gentle nasal spray and provides the same protection against influenza A and B as traditional injectable vaccines.
Approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, FluMist has been widely used overseas since 2003, with millions of children vaccinated in the Northern Hemisphere.
Its needle-free delivery makes it particularly suitable for children with needle anxiety, helping ease concerns for both parents and caregivers.
The WA Government is investing $7.24 million to deliver 130,000 free doses of FluMist ahead of the 2026 flu season.
Vaccines will be available through general practitioners, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies.
Influenza continues to pose a serious health risk to children in WA.
To date in 2025, around 25 per cent of flu notifications have been among children aged two to under 12.
More than 17,000 children have presented to emergency departments with respiratory illnesses, and over 1,300 have required hospital admission.
Despite this, only 17 per cent of children in this age group are currently vaccinated against influenza.
Minister for Health, the Hon Meredith Hammat MLA, praised the initiative highlighting the benefits of the nasal spray.
“Offering a needle-free option gives parents a more comfortable and convenient choice, one that we expect will significantly increase uptake and reduce pressure on our health system,” she said.
The FluMist program aims to increase vaccination uptake, reduce community transmission, and alleviate pressure on hospitals during peak flu season.
Last Updated:
06/10/2025