WA government offers FluMist nasal spray vaccine free to children

A new jab-free flu vaccination aimed at children frightened of needles is being rolled out across Western Australia in a bid to boost child vaccination rates.

Instead of a needle, children between ages two and 12 will be able to receive their free influenza vaccine via a nasal spray administered in both nostrils.

The new vaccine, called FluMist, has been hailed as a lifesaver by the Royal Australian College of GPs [RACGP].

RACGP vice president Ramya Raman said young children were especially vulnerable to severe flu infections, and the new vaccine "will save young lives".

"Many children are fearful of needles and two thirds of parents tell us the level of distress they experience when thinking about vaccinating their child acts as a barrier [to getting them vaccinated]," Dr Raman said.

Nasal spray vaccinations have been used widely across Europe for many years, resulting in significant increases in vaccination rates, according to the RACGP.

"In 2025 in Western Australia, and across the nation, flu rates rose, and vaccination rates fell. This created the perfect storm for influenza to spread, and we must reverse this trend," Dr Raman said.

"This nasal spray gives parents a more comfortable and convenient option for vaccinating their kids — and we believe this will significantly boost vaccine uptake."