- Annual influenza vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
- All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years are eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
- Influenza vaccines and the COVID 19 Vaccine may be given at the same time.
- Influenza vaccines are recommended for pregnant women in every pregnancy, at any stage of pregnancy. They can be co-administered with pertussis (20 to 32 weeks), maternal RSV (28 to 36 weeks), COVID-19 (if required) and other vaccines indicated during pregnancy
- For adults aged 65 years and over, both the NIP funded adjuvanted vaccine (Fluad®) and the private market high dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High Dose) are equally preferentially recommended over standard influenza vaccines.
- Flucelvax, a cell-based influenza vaccine is funded under the NIP in 2026 for at-risk population aged 5 to 64 years. There is no preference for use between Flucelvax and standard dose egg-based influenza vaccines.
- In 2026, the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist®) which is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) will be available for the first time in Australia for children aged between 2 – 17 years. In NSW, FluMist® is fully funded for 2 – 4 year olds and available privately for those aged 5 – 17.
- All influenza vaccines available in Australia in 2026 are trivalent (e.g containing two A strains and one B lineage. The B Yamagata lineage virus has been excluded as it may be extinct.
Eligibility for free influenza vaccines
People most at risk of severe influenza and its complications are eligible for free influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program. Eligible groups include:
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- People aged 65 years and over (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- Individuals aged over 5 years with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and complications. Medical conditions include:
- Cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease;
- Chronic respiratory conditions, including severe asthma (defined as requiring frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic emphysema;
- Chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including hereditary and degenerative central nervous system diseases (including multiple sclerosis), seizure disorders, spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular disorders;
- Immunocompromising conditions, due to diseases or treatment (e.g. malignancy, transplantation, chronic steroid use), asplenia or splenic dysfunction, and HIV infection;
- Diabetes and other metabolic disorders;
- Renal disease, especially for chronic kidney disease;
- Haematological disorders, including haemoglobinopathies; and
- Children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy who are at increased risk of Reye syndrome following influenza infection.
Those not eligible for a government funded flu vaccine can receive a private flu vaccine at Your Family Doctors for $20. Those aged between 5 – 17 can recieve a private FluMist® nasal spray vaccine for $50.
NSW Nasal spray influenza Vaccination program
A nasal spray influenza vaccine will be available in Australia in 2026 under the brand name FluMist®. FluMist® is a live attenuated influenza vaccine delivered via nasal spray as a needle-free alternative. FluMist® is registered for use for people aged 2 to 17 years in Australia. This vaccine has been used extensively overseas for over a decade and has demonstrated strong acceptability and comparable effectiveness to the injectable influenza vaccine.
In addition to the NIP and state-funded standard injectable influenza vaccines, in 2026, the NSW Government is funding FluMist®, a nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years as a needle-free alternative, with the aim to increase vaccination uptake in children.
FluMist® is registered for use for people aged 2 to 17 years and will also be available on the private market for this age cohort (available for $50 at Your Family Doctors)
Vaccination timing
Optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination. Timing of vaccination should aim to achieve the highest level of protection during peak influenza season (usually from June to September in most parts of Australia). Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone from mid-April onwards.
Two doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for
- children aged 6 months to less than 2 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time
- children aged 6 months to less than 9 years with a medical risk condition receiving influenza vaccine for the first time
2026 influenza vaccine strains
Influenza virus strains included in the 2026 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccines
Egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
- A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
- A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus;
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus and
Cell- or recombinant- based quadrivalent influenza vaccines:
- A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
- A/Sydney/1359/2024(H3N2)-like virus;
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus and
Both egg-based and cell-based vaccines will be available in Australia in 2026 under the NIP.
Influenza vaccines
Four influenza vaccines will be available under the National Immunisation Program in 2026:
- Vaxigrip for eligible people aged 6 months to 64 years
- FluMist nasal spray influenza vaccine aged 2 years to less than 5 years.
- Flucelvax for eligible people aged for 5 years to 64 years
- Fluad for people aged 65 years and over
Influenza vaccine contraindications
The only contraindications to influenza vaccines are:
- Anaphylaxis following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine
- Anaphylaxis following any vaccine component (excluding eggs)
Note on egg allergies
Egg allergy is not a contraindication to influenza vaccines. If there is significant parental or health professional concern, the vaccine may be administered in a primary care setting with a longer waiting period of 30 minutes.
Note on latex allergies
All influenza vaccines available under the NIP in 2026 are latex free. People with a latex allergy can safely be vaccinated with influenza vaccines that are available under the NIP.
Possible side effects of the flu vaccine
The influenza vaccine has been around for many decades and has a strong safety record. Common side effects of flu vaccine include:
- drowsiness or tiredness
- muscle aches
- localized pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- occasionally, an injection-site lump (nodule) that may last many weeks but needs no treatment, will resolve
- low grade temperature
The nasal spray influenza vaccine can cause upper respiratory and nasal symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion or sore throat.
Managing fever after Immunisation
Common side effects following immunisation are usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first two days after vaccination). Specific treatment is not usually required. There are a number of treatment options that can reduce the side effects of the vaccine including:
- drinking extra fluids and not overdressing if there is a fever
- although routine use of paracetamol after vaccination is not recommended, if fever is present, paracetamol can be given – check the label for the correct dose or speak with your pharmacist, (especially when giving paracetamol to children)
Booking a flu vaccine Appointment
The 2026 Influenza’s vaccines are expected to arrive early April. When they arrive flu vaccine appointments will be available for patients of our practice online via HotDoc under ‘Flu clinic’ by following the link Book Here
Further information
- 2026 National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccines consumer fact sheet 2026-influenza-flu-vaccination-consumer-fact-sheet
- Influenza Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook (available at immunisationhandbook.gov.au)
- The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) clinical statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 ATAGI advice
- https://ncirs.org.au/influenza/influenza-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions-faqs
- COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2026 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- NSW State health department contact numbers: 1300 066 055
Warm regards
The Team @ Your Family Doctors
