The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed a groundbreaking move by the Queensland Government to provide no-cost, needle-free influenza vaccinations for children aged 2–5 years ahead of the 2026 flu season.
The initiative, hailed as a major step forward in public health, will allow families to access safe, effective, and painless flu protection for young children without the barrier of needles.
A Breakthrough in Flu Protection for Young Children
The new program introduces needle-free flu vaccines – administered as a quick nasal spray rather than a traditional injection. For many families, this will remove one of the biggest obstacles to vaccination: needle fear.
RACGP Queensland Chair, Dr Cathryn Hester, praised the program, describing it as a “revolution for Queensland families.”
“Needle-free vaccine access, at no cost to families, will save lives and save families the terrifying experience of having your young child in hospital,” Dr Hester said.
“These needle-free vaccines have been tested extensively overseas. They’ve been shown to be safe and effective, and they mean parents and young children’s experience of vaccination isn’t a needle, just a quick spray. It’ll be no-tears protection from severe flu, at no cost.”
Why Needle-Free Vaccines Matter
For many parents and carers, the thought of vaccinating a toddler or preschool-aged child can be stressful. Research shows:
- Around two-thirds of parents feel distressed about vaccinating their child against influenza.
- One in four people have a strong fear of needles.
- Even parents who intend to vaccinate report high levels of anxiety over injections.
By eliminating the needle, the needle-free influenza vaccine provides an easier, less stressful experience for families.
Dr Hester explained:
“Funding access to this new vaccine will help relieve the stress many parents feel when it comes to giving small children an injection. A needle-free option will reduce anxiety for those who are needle-averse and help boost vaccination rates.”
Protecting Children Aged 2–5 Years
Young children are among the most vulnerable to influenza complications. Their immune systems are still developing, and flu can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death.
The new no-cost flu vaccine program for children aged 2–5 directly addresses this risk. By offering protection in a painless, anxiety-free way, more parents are likely to ensure their children are vaccinated.
This means:
- Higher vaccination rates among children.
- Reduced flu transmission within families and communities.
- Fewer hospital admissions for severe flu cases.
A Record Year for Influenza in Queensland and Australia
The announcement comes as Australia faces some of its worst influenza seasons on record.
- In 2025, there have already been 74,892 confirmed influenza cases in Queensland and 362,860 nationwide.
- In 2024, which marked the highest number of flu cases on record, Queensland reported 79,798 cases, and Australia 365,590 cases.
- Current trends suggest 2025 may surpass previous records, making it one of the worst years for flu in Australian history.
Deaths from influenza have also been significant:
- 94 deaths in Queensland (January–July 2025).
- 470 deaths nationwide in the same period.
Dr Hester emphasised the urgency:
“Stopping the spread of these viruses and boosting vaccination rates, including for the flu, relieves pressure on our entire healthcare system, including our hospitals. With new cases still evident, it is almost certain Australia will have more flu cases than previous years.”
The Role of Vaccination in Public Health
The RACGP has long stressed that vaccination is the most effective tool against influenza. By preventing infection and limiting spread, flu vaccines:
- Save lives.
- Reduce the severity of illness.
- Prevent hospital overcrowding during peak flu season.
- Protect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
Dr Hester explained that making vaccines accessible and stress-free is key to improving uptake:
“Vaccination is the best way to stop the flu from spreading in the community. The more people, especially the young, who can receive vaccination, the more we can prevent serious illness or hospitalisation.”
Reducing Pressure on Hospitals and the Healthcare System
The impact of rising flu cases extends beyond individual patients. High case numbers strain hospitals, emergency departments, and GP clinics.
By providing free needle-free flu vaccines, Queensland aims to:
- Increase vaccination coverage across children and families.
- Reduce hospital admissions during peak flu season.
- Lower the economic and social burden of influenza outbreaks.
- Support healthcare workers by easing system-wide demand.
Parents and Carers: Breaking Down Barriers
Needle fear is a major barrier for both adults and children. By offering a painless nasal spray vaccine, the Queensland Government is directly addressing parental concerns.
This change matters because:
- Parents who might otherwise delay or avoid vaccination may now participate.
- Families gain peace of mind knowing their child is protected without the trauma of needles.
- Children develop a positive association with vaccination, supporting healthier behaviours in the future.
RACGP Calls on Other States to Follow Queensland’s Lead
The RACGP has applauded Queensland’s leadership but is urging other states and territories to adopt similar programs.
Dr Hester stressed that with influenza cases rising nationwide, all Australian children should benefit from the same needle-free, no-cost protection.
“This breaks the barrier of needle fear. That matters because young kids are particularly vulnerable to the severe effects of the flu. Other states should follow Queensland’s example and make flu vaccination more accessible and less stressful for families.”
The Future of Influenza Vaccination in Australia
Queensland’s decision signals a broader shift in vaccination strategy in Australia. As new technologies like needle-free vaccines become available, governments have an opportunity to:
- Modernise vaccination delivery.
- Improve public trust in vaccines.
- Boost national immunisation rates.
- Reduce disease outbreaks and deaths.
If adopted widely, the program could mark the beginning of a nationwide transformation in flu prevention.
Conclusion
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed Queensland’s landmark decision to provide free needle-free influenza vaccines for children aged 2–5 years ahead of the 2026 flu season.
The initiative addresses one of the biggest barriers to vaccination – needle fear – and promises to increase uptake among families, reduce flu transmission, and ease pressure on hospitals.
With record numbers of influenza cases and deaths in 2024 and 2025, the move comes at a critical time for public health in Australia.
The RACGP is urging other states and territories to adopt similar programs, ensuring that children across the country can benefit from safe, effective, and stress-free flu vaccination.
As Dr Hester summed it up:
“This is no-tears protection from severe flu, at no cost. It will save lives and help keep families safe.”