Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against serious disease caused by influenza, and the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Flu vaccine can be given anytime.
Trivalent Influenza Vaccines (TIVs) are the only vaccines available in Australia for the 2026 influenza program.
Influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP for:
In 2026, NSW Health is offering a free nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged 2 to 4 years.
A single dose of FluMist® should be offered to all 2–4-year-olds who do not have contraindications to the live vaccine each winter season. This is free under the NSW Health program from April 2026.
FluMist® is also registered for use for those aged 5 to under 18 years; however, it will only be available on the private market for this age group.
Initiation of FluMist
Registered nurses, midwives and enrolled nurses can prepare and administer FluMist® under a medication order from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. The medical practitioner or nurse practitioner must be available for supervision or advice if required.
Authorised nurse immunisers can independently administer FluMist® as detailed in the Authority for Authorised Registered Nurse/Midwife Immunisers to Supply Poisons and Restricted Substances and Vaccination Standards.
NSW pharmacist immuniser can also independently administer FluMist® as detailed in the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards and Pharmacist Vaccine Authority.
ORDER: flu materials
READ: 2026 flu information
INFLUENZA ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT /POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS
You can find the NSW public health advice on influenza antiviral treatment here.
For clinical advice, refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook Influenza (flu) chapter.
