THE Queensland Government is providing an expanded free influenza vaccination program, enabling people aged six months and over to access free flu shots ahead of the 2026 peak flu season.
Commencing 01 Mar 2026, the program will also include a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for eligible children aged two to five years.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls noted this was the first time the needle-free flu vaccine will be available in Australia.
"This nasal spray vaccination is expected to improve vaccine uptake amongst young kids by removing potential distress about needle vaccinations," Nicholls said.
President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch Chris Owen welcomed the enhanced flu initiative.
"This expanded program will see community pharmacists play a bigger role in vaccinating Queenslanders," Owen said.
"More opportunities to get the free flu vaccine will not only benefit those who receive it directly, it also helps prevent the spread to loved ones who may be more susceptible to having serious complications from influenza exposure," he added.
The Queensland Government also announced it will amend legislation to enable trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to vaccinate more age groups in more locations against more vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has strongly endorsed the decision, with Queensland PSA president Hannah Knowles stating that the scope of practice reforms improve access, prevention and system resilience.
"When pharmacists are authorised to vaccinate more age groups and in more settings, it removes unnecessary barriers to care and allows the health system to respond where demand actually exists, in the community," Knowles said.
"Pharmacist immunisers safely administer millions of vaccine doses each year to protect Australians against vaccine-preventable diseases.
"But up until now, pharmacists and patients have had to navigate complex regulations regarding legal authority to vaccinate, which haven't lined up with clinical recommendations," she said, pointing out that this has become a barrier to vaccination.
"This change will mean pharmacist immunisers can administer vaccines to all patients where clinically appropriate and within their individual level of competency."
PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton called on other jurisdictions to follow the Sunshine State's lead.
"I congratulate the Queensland Government for this common-sense announcement which will benefit patients," Prof Naunton said.
"I urge state and territory government around Australia to join Queensland and South Australia in simplifying vaccination regulation so that it works for patients, rather than work against them." KB
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