Needle-free influenza vaccination is now possible for more West Australians after the state government expanded the nasal spray option to people aged 12-17 years.
FluMist has been available as an alternative method of immunising against the flu for children aged two to 11 since April.
With children and teens being major drivers of influenza transmission Health Minister Meredith Hammat said vaccinating more young people would help protect families, classrooms and communities.
“By expanding FluMist eligibility to include teenagers, we’re making it easier for families to access protection and reducing the impact of influenza across Western Australia,” she said.
WA’s flu vaccination target for 2026 is 40%, however coverage currently sits at 26%.
Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said the needle-free option was expected to improve uptake among teenagers who may otherwise avoid vaccination.
“We know needle anxiety can be a barrier for some young people, so providing a free needle-free option removes one more obstacle to getting vaccinated,” she said.
RELATED: 116 babies and toddlers given FluMist in error
WA secured 130,000 doses of FluMist earlier this year to offer an alternative to vaccinations given via injection for the first time.
Earlier this month the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reminded health professionals to stick to the indicated age range of FluMist following 116 cases of the vaccine being administered to children too young to be given it.
The intra-nasal spray should not be administered to anyone under the age of two years of age.
WA figures show rising respiratory illnesses and demand on emergency departments.
In the week to 21 June, emergency departments recorded 918 respiratory illness presentations, including influenza.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are also continuing to rise, with 3167 cases reported so far in 2026 – well above the four-year average of 1930. Some 608 of the RSV cases were hospitalised.
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