Queensland has expanded eligibility for its free nasal spray influenza vaccine program, with children aged 6 to 17 years now able to access the needle-free vaccine, FluMist, at no cost. Previously, the program was only available to children aged 2 to 5 years.

The expansion follows encouraging early results, with Queensland reporting a 30% increase in influenza vaccination uptake among children aged 2–5 years since the introduction of the program. Of the 29,140 children vaccinated in this age group, more than 20,000 received the FluMist nasal spray vaccine.

Queensland Health has urged families to book vaccinations before winter intensifies, particularly as FluMist supplies are expected to expire in August and become unavailable nationally after early August. Health officials have also warned that current low influenza activity is unlikely to continue through the season.

The program expansion aims to provide families with a more accessible option for influenza vaccination, particularly for children who may be anxious about needles.

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ABC News: Eligibility expanded for Queensland’s free nasal spray flu vaccine program