Families in Chester Hill can now access a free, needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged two to four years old, following a new statewide initiative launched by the Minns Labor Government on 7 April 2026.
The program, administered by NSW Health, aims to increase vaccination rates among young children after a challenging 2025 flu season. During that period, there were more than 24,500 cases of influenza in children under five across the state, resulting in over 4,600 emergency department presentations and more than 960 hospital admissions.
Local parents may find this option particularly helpful, as roughly two-thirds of children have a strong fear of needles. This common phobia has been identified as a significant barrier to achieving the necessary immunity in young children. By removing the needle, officials hope to make the process easier for families and improve health outcomes in suburbs like Chester Hill, which is home to approximately 1,010 children under five.
The nasal spray, which would typically cost between $50 and $70 on the private market, provides protection similar to the injectable vaccine. It has been used safely for decades in the Northern Hemisphere and is approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
In 2025, only 24.4% of children under five in New South Wales were vaccinated against influenza, well below the 40% target set in state health strategies. Residents can now access the free vaccine through local GPs, community pharmacies, and Aboriginal Medical Services.
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