Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. FluMist free for anyone aged 2 to 17 years
2. New LAIV safety data
3. Avoid RSV administration errors
4. Boostrix – NSW diphtheria outbreak response program
5. Education

FluMist free for anyone aged 2 to 17 years

From 22 May 2026, NSW Health expanded the Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, and FluMist is now free for all patients aged 2 to 17 years (previously 2 to 4 years).

This expanded eligibility aims to improve overall influenza vaccine coverage, reduce vaccine wastage, and strengthen public health outcomes ahead of winter.

Order FluMist via the State Vaccine Centre.

New LAIV safety data

AusVaxSafety data show that the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is well tolerated by children and adolescents.

In children aged 2 to less than 5 years, more than three-quarters (77%) experienced no adverse events following LAIV. Medical attendance was low, with fewer than 1 in 100 parents (0.9%) reporting taking their child to a doctor in the 3 days after vaccination.

In older children and adolescents aged 5 to less than 18 years, more than 4 in 5 (82%) experienced no adverse events following LAIV. Medical attendance was low, with fewer than 1 in 100 (0.7%) reporting a visit to a doctor in the 3 days after vaccination.

Avoid RSV administration errors

With the recent addition of Arexvy® to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for older adults, providers must ensure the correct RSV product is administered to patients:

• Arexvy® – NIP funded for adults aged 75 years and over and Indigenous adults aged 60 years and over
• Abrysvo® – NIP funded for pregnant women from 28 weeks
• Beyfortus™ – State funded for eligible infants

To help avoid administration errors, displaytheRSV product poster on vaccine fridge and considerstoring vaccines on separate shelves.

See the clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration errors for more information. 

Boostrix – NSW diphtheria outbreak response program

On 22 May 2026, diphtheria was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) with Australia currently experiencing the biggest diphtheria outbreak since records began. 

In response to the current diphtheria outbreak, NSW Health funding Boostrix vaccine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are not eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Complete the dTpa outbreak – special order form to order Boostrix vaccine under this time limited program.

Eligibility for this program includesAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the following criteria:

• under 20 years who are unvaccinated or require catch up vaccination
• aged 20 years and over who have not previously received 3 doses
• aged 20 years and over who have previously received at least 3 doses with the most recent dose more than 10 years ago
• aged 17 years and over, who have received at least 3 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine with the most recent dose more than 5 years ago, if they are travelling or moving to an outbreak-affected area classified as higher risk by the Centre for Disease Control.

Education