Pharmacists welcome needle-free flu vaccine rollout for WA children
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Cook Government’s $4.78 million investment to secure 130,000 doses of the FluMist intranasal influenza vaccine for children aged two to under 12 years ahead of the 2026 flu season.
The initiative, announced by Health Minister Meredith Hammat and Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton, aims to boost childhood vaccination rates and reduce flu-related illness and hospitalisations across Western Australia.
PSA WA President Kristian Ray MPS said pharmacists were ready to support the rollout.
“We welcome and congratulate the Cook Government for this initiative. This is a game-changer for children who experience needle anxiety,” Mr Ray said.
“Pharmacists are integral to improving immunisation rates and reducing pressure on our health system and we look forward to working with the WA Government to deliver this important public health initiative.”
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the announcement reflected growing recognition of pharmacists’ role in contributing towards reaching our immunisation target in Australia.
“WA Government’s decision today shows leadership and commitment to prioritise children’s health,” A/Prof Sim said.
“No children should be disadvantaged – we call on all state and territory governments to modernise legislation so every child, no matter their postcode, can access free, convenient, and needle-free protection.
“While these programs are essential now, long-term equity requires national leadership and harmonisation across jurisdictions.
A/Prof Sim added that while state programs were essential now, long-term equity requires national leadership and harmonisation across jurisdictions.
“We note that FluMist is currently being considered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee for the National Immunisation Program. Federal funding will be critical for national consistency — but until then, states and territories must step up to protect children against this vaccine-preventable disease,” A/Prof Sim concluded.
Supporting pharmacists
To further support the profession in implementing intranasal influenza vaccination, PSA will deliver a dedicated webinar, a quick reference guide, and learning module launching October 2025. These resources will equip pharmacists with practical guidance and clinical confidence to integrate needle-free vaccination into practice.
Media contact: David Westman M: 0480 099 798 E: david.westman@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.
