PSA welcomes expansion of needle-free flu vaccine for QLD children and adolescents

19 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to expand the needle-free influenza vaccination program for those aged 6 to under 18 who struggle with needles.

 

The expansion builds on the 2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program and the Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, which currently provides free needle-free influenza vaccines for children 2-5.

 

PSA QLD President, Hannah Knowles MPS, said extending eligibility for FluMist would remove significant barriers to vaccination and improve overall protection against influenza in QLD.

 

“For many families, it is a real challenge to ensure our children are protected against illness, such as influenza, particularly with so many children having an aversion to needles,” she said.

 

“This fear of needles presents a genuine vaccination barrier, and so the expansion of free access to FluMist for more children and adolescents will significantly increase QLD’s vaccination rates.

 

“Community pharmacies are well placed to support children and families in being protected against influenza, particularly now with the expanded access to those who may have otherwise avoided vaccination.”

 

The PSA applauds the practical and patient-centred steps taken by the QLD government to make vaccination easier for patients and encourages QLD families to speak with their pharmacist to determine the most appropriate influenza vaccination option this flu season.

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.