Many kids are scared of getting needles, and this can stop them getting vaccinations that protect that against the flu. Less than one in four Australian children were vaccinated against influenza in 2025.

This winter, Australian families have another option. A nasal flu vaccine called FluMist will be available for the first time for children aged 2–17 years.

FluMist is a needle-free alternative to the existing influenza vaccines. Nasal flu vaccines are widely used in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and the United States.

Recent studies in which both injectable and nasal flu vaccines are available suggest parents prefer a nasal vaccine, particularly when they’re hesitant about vaccination. As such, the nasal option could increase vaccination coverage in Australia and reduce the spread of flu, not only in children but potentially in the wider community.

FluMist will be free in some states and territories for certain age groups. It will also be available for a fee at selected pharmacies and immunisation providers.

Here’s what you need to know about how FluMist works, how effective it is, and whether your child is eligible.

What’s different about this vaccine?

Current vaccines used in Australia are all injected. They contain specific components of the influenza virus that are not capable of replicating.

FluMist is different. It contains a weakened “live” form of the flu strain. These types of vaccines are known as live attenuated vaccines. Other examples include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox and rotavirus vaccines.

With FluMist, six of the eight genetic........

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