Introduction: Nasal Flu Vaccine
Does your child not like getting the flu shot? Do you have needle anxiety and are you keeping your family from getting vaccinated? The good news is that Belconnen General Practice now has a needle-free flu vaccine or nasal flu vaccine for children aged 2 to under 18 years that is administered via a nasal spray.
This new vaccine alternative is as effective as the needle vaccine without the needle. It’s fast, painless and easy to make flu vaccination easier for families who want to keep their kids safe this winter.
In this guide, we’ll cover how the nasal flu vaccine works, who is eligible to receive it, why it’s important to your child’s health and how you can get it right here in Belconnen.
What is the Nasal Flu Vaccine?
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) is a relatively new product for protecting children against influenza in Australia, and is a nasal spray vaccine.
Nasal Spray Vaccine
How It’s Administered:
- A light mist is put into each nose.
- No needles are used
- It only takes a few seconds.
- Your child is only a little uncomfortable.
How It Works:
The nasal spray contains weakened influenza viruses that help your child’s immune system build up protection against the flu. Given via the nose (respiratory tract), it generates a strong immune response right where the flu virus enters the body.
Who Can Get the Nasal Flu Vaccine?
Eligibility in Belconnen
Nasal spray flu vaccine is available for:
- Children between 2 years and less than 18 years of age
- In NSW and QLD (including Belconnen) at participating clinics.
- Suggested for healthy children.
Why are the younger children aren’t eligible?
Children under 2 years are at risk for severe flu, but are not eligible for the nasal spray because:
- The immune response to LAIV has not been extensively studied in this age group.
- The injected vaccine is recommended for infants 6 months to less than 2 years.
- The airways are more fragile in young babies and other methods of administration are safer.
If your child is under 2 years: The injectable flu vaccine is the best available and is available free of charge for children 6 months to under 5 years of age under the National Immunisation Program.
Medical Considerations
If your child:
- Is severely immunocompromised
- Is severely allergic to eggs
- Has a high fever or severe sudden illness
- Is scheduled for vaccines that include live vaccines within 2 weeks (or has received vaccines that include live vaccines within 4 weeks)
Not sure if your child is eligible? Our Belconnen GP team will be able to review your child’s personal health situation and make the best vaccine recommendation for your child.
Why is it important for your child to be vaccinated against the flu?
The severity of flu in children.
Influenza is a much more serious illness than the common cold. Very young children are at high risk for complications.
Did You Know?
- The proportion of children aged 0-4 years notified with influenza in Australia was large in 2025.
- Flu-related illness is a common reason for ED visits among young children.
- Influenza and influenza-like illness hospitalisation in children under 5 years of age is a yearly event
- Complications can be serious such as pneumonia, bronchitis and, in rare cases, more serious.
What is the difference between a flu and a cold?
| Symptom | Cold | Flu |
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |
| Fever | Rare/low-grade | Common (38-40°C) |
| Body aches | Mild | Severe |
| Fatigue | Mild | Severe |
| Duration | 3-7 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Complications | Rare | More common |
Flu Vaccination Benefits
- Minimizes the risk of infection – keeps your child from getting the flu
- Avoids complications – Vaccination decreases the severity of illness if your child becomes ill
- Saves vulnerable people – Vaccinated children save babies, elderly relatives and people with compromised immune systems around them
- Improves attendance – Less absences from school and activities
- Safe and secure – Ensure your child is safe and secure throughout the winter season
Nasal Spray vs. Injectable Flu Vaccine: Which is Right for Your Child?
Nasal Spray Advantage
Nasal Flu Vaccine Vs Flu Vaccine
Better for:
- Kids who have needle anxiety.
- Children who have had challenging vaccine experiences
- Children who don’t enjoy being sedentary.
- Children 2-17 years of age with no other health problems.
Benefits:
- No needle = no pain
- Quick administration (seconds)
- Effective immune response
- Same protection as injection
- Produces immunity in the respiratory system where the flu strikes
The Injectable Vaccine
Better for:
- Children under 2 years
- Children who have severe allergies or immunocompromise
- Children who have respiratory illnesses such as asthma (in some instances)
- People who have active nasal congestion or discharge
Benefits:
- Appropriate from 6 months
- Effective and proven safety record
- Used in some diseases
The Bottom Line
They are both very effective and safe. This will depend on your child’s age, health, taste and special factors. Our Belconnen GPs will assist you in making a decision about which is best for your child.
Common concerns about nasal flu vaccine
Is the nasal spray safe?
Yes. The nasal flu vaccine has been proven safe for use in other countries for many years. It is tested for safety in Australia in the same way as all medicines. Very serious side effects are very uncommon.
Common mild side effects are:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
- Low grade fever (Immune system is reacting)
These usually clear up within 1-2 days.
Will the nasal flu vaccine cause my child to get the flu?
No. The vaccine is made from a weakened virus that doesn’t cause serious illness. The vaccine is working, not the flu, as some kids might have mild cold-like symptoms while their immune system builds immunity.
What are the results of its effectiveness?
Very effective. The nasal spray is as effective as the shot vaccine in children 2-17 years old. Research indicates that it can cut the risk of contracting the flu by around 40-60%, depending on the flu strain.
“Is it free?”
Yes, if the child is eligible. Children under 5 years of age are eligible for free flu vaccinations as part of the National Immunisation Program. This free program includes the nasal spray option when given from participating clinics, such as Belconnen General Practice.
Children may be eligible depending on their health status, ranging from 5 to 17 years old. Talk to your GP about the options.
If my child has allergies, what then?
All allergies are pre-evaluated prior to vaccination. The vaccine can be safely given to most children with common allergies. This can be managed if your child has a severe allergy to eggs (discuss with GP before appointment).
When Should Your Child Get the Nasal Flu Vaccine?
Timing Matters
- Best time: April to May before the start of the winter flu season.
- It’s not too late: Winter vaccinations are better than no vaccinations at all
- Duration: Protection will last for the flu season, and usually for one entire year.
It’s time to start planning for Winter 2026. Maximum protection when flu cases peak, with early vaccination.
Annual Vaccination
Children should also get flu vaccinations each flu season because:
- The virus mutates each year.
- Immunity from previous years is temporary
- The vaccine for each year is made up of the most likely strains.
Getting your family vaccinated for flu is easy.
Follow these tips to have a positive experience!
Nasal Flu Vaccine For Family
Before the Appointment:
- Read this guide to your child (age appropriate)
- Inform them that it is a quick spray and not a needle.
- Use positive language (protecting your body)
- Don’t make it seem like a big deal.
- Consider bringing a sibling for support
During the Appointment:
- Keep cool—children pick up on parents’ stress
- Distraction techniques are effective (discuss weekend plans)
- Allow our staff to lead the way
- Congratulate your child after they have finished.
After the Appointment:
- Praise your child’s courage (not food, sticker, extra play time)
- Check for mild side effects (typically mild and temporary)
- Continue normal activities
It’s a family habit.
Getting vaccinated together sends a powerful message. If the older siblings or parents receive the flu shot as well, it becomes a normal routine for your child.
Why the choice of Belconnen General Practice for your child’s flu vaccination?
Child-Friendly Care
We have experience in working with children of all ages and temperaments. We know what it’s like to be anxious about needles and why the nasal spray option is important for your family.
Expert Assessment
Our GPs check your child’s:
- Medical history
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Current health status
- Vaccine interactions
This individualised strategy will help your child receive the best vaccine.
Convenience
- Access: easy access at Central Belconnen location,
- Hours: Extended hours to fit your family schedule
- Quick visits: Total duration of visit is typically 10-15 minutes
- Walk-ins are welcome – no appointment required, but appointments are available
- Family fee: Eligible families:
Holistic Healthcare
Vaccination is not the only thing you need for your health. We can address your child’s height/weight checks, developmental screening and other preventive care during the same visit if your child requires these.
The Bigger Picture: Community Protection
Vaccinating your child is not only about protecting your child, it’s about protecting the health of your community.
Children who are not vaccinated can spread the flu to:
- Infants under the age of 12 months who are too young for vaccines.
- Grandparents and relatives who are elderly.
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
When your child gets vaccinated, you are protecting the most vulnerable in our community. That’s powerful.
Get Your Child Vaccinated at Belconnen General Practice
Needle anxiety shouldn’t stop your child from getting protected against the flu this winter.
Now available, effective, safe and available – the nasal spray flu vaccine is here.
Please contact Belconnen General Practice
Preparing to defend yourself and your loved ones?
- Unit 12, 1 Grazier lane is the address.Belconnen ACT 2617
- Phone: 0262783488
- Website: https://belconnengeneralpractice.com.au
Walk-in, bulk billing and appointment preferred (but not required)
5 FAQs
1. Does the nasal spray vaccine work as well as the needle vaccine?
Yes. The nasal spray is as effective as the injected vaccine in children 2-17 years old.
Both vaccines are about 40-60% effective against flu infection, depending on the flu strain. They are both available, and you’ll need to decide which one your child prefers, and which is best for their medical condition, based on their age.
2. Will my child catch the flu from the flu shot in the nose?
No. The nasal spray is made with a weakened virus that will not cause serious disease.
During the process of immunity, some children get mild cold symptoms (runny nose, cough). This is normal and usually clears up in 1-2 days.
3. What’s the age cutoff for the nasal spray vaccine?
The nasal spray is available for children aged 2 years to under 18 years.
Children under 2 years are not eligible as their immune response to the nasal spray has not been fully studied. The injectable vaccine is recommended for babies aged 6 months to under 2 years.
4. If my child is healthy, should they get the vaccine?
Yes. Flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, even in healthy children.
Also, vaccinating your child helps to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases to other people who can’t be vaccinated, such as babies, elderly relatives, and people with weakened immune systems.
5. Do I have any side effects to look out for?
Common mild side effects are:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Mild cough
- Low-grade fever
Usually clear up in 1-2 days. Serious side effects are rare. If your child has any unusual symptoms, please contact the GP.