With flu season looming, new vaccination options have been announced for Queensland children and people aged over 50.
The Queensland Government said on the weekend that the state’s free flu vaccination program would now include a nasal spray for children.
It said the FluMist Vaccine provided a needle-free vaccination option and was now being supplied to General Practitioners and Pharmacies for children aged two to five-years-old.
This morning CSL Seqirus also announced that Fluad, an “”adjuvanted” influenza vaccine, had now been approved for Australians aged 50 and over.
Adjuvanted influenza vaccines are flu shots containing an added ingredient, called an adjuvant, designed to create a stronger, broader, and longer-lasting immune response for older people.
Previously Fluad has been funded in Australia only for adults aged 65 and over on the National Immunisation Program.
“People aged 50 and over may be at higher risk of severe flu due to immune system decline and an increasing likelihood of underlying health conditions,” CSL Seqirus said in a statement.
“Studies show that the immune system can change with age and from mid-life some people may be at a higher risk of catching flu and experiencing serious complications, particularly if they have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.”
Each year in Australia, flu is estimated to cause over 13,500 hospitalisations and more than 3000 deaths in adults aged 50 and over.
Only one-third of 50–64-year-olds were vaccinated against flu in 2025.
Public Health Physician and GP, Professor Paul Van Buynder, said flu could have serious impacts for some people in their 50s and beyond.
“If you’re over 50, your immune system has changed – even if your lifestyle hasn’t,” he said.
“Catching flu could mean hospitalisation or worse and that’s why it’s so important to think about the flu season ahead and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your personal risk and the flu vaccine option that’s right for you.”
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the state’s $31 million vaccination program was the largest free flu vaccination program in Australia.
“Since the start of 2026, more than 6690 Queenslanders have tested positive to influenza,” he said. “It follows almost 100,000 confirmed flu cases in 2025, with 9687 people hospitalised.”
“This (FluMist ) is the first time a nasal spray vaccination is available in Australia, and it’s a real game-changer because many parents would understand the distress of getting a young child vaccinated.”
To find out more about the program, and where to get your vaccination, visit the Queensland Health Flu Vaccination website.
FluMist is given as a gentle nasal spray into both nostrils, making it convenient for children who may prefer to avoid needles.
Parents who would like more information or have questions on FluMist can visit the Queensland Health website for further information.
