The 2026 flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children aged 6 months to under 5, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, and people aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions. Everyone else can still be vaccinated, but pays for the vaccine. This guide explains each group, the NSW nasal spray program for young children, and when to book.
Who can get a free flu vaccine in 2026?
Five groups are eligible for a free, NIP-funded flu vaccine in 2026, according to the Australian Government’s 2026 influenza program advice:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Children under 2 having a flu vaccine for the first time are funded for two doses at least four weeks apart. After that, one dose a year is enough.
- People aged 65 and over. This group is offered a vaccine designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults.
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy. The vaccine is recommended in every pregnancy and also protects the baby for the first few months of life.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over.
- People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of complications (see below).
Which medical conditions qualify for a free flu shot?
The NIP covers people aged 6 months and over with conditions in these categories:
- heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
- chronic lung conditions, including severe asthma that needs frequent medical care or several medicines, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system, including cancer
- type 1 or type 2 diabetes and some other metabolic disorders
- severe chronic kidney disease
- chronic neurological conditions, including seizure disorders and conditions that affect breathing
- some blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease
- children aged 5 to 10 on long-term aspirin therapy.
If you are not sure whether your condition qualifies, ask your GP at your next visit. If you are managing diabetes or asthma, a regular review is a convenient time to have the vaccine.
Is there a free nasal spray flu vaccine for children in NSW?
Yes. On 7 Apr 2026, NSW Health announced a free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2, 3 and 4, available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies. It is given as one spray into each nostril, with no needle.
NSW Health says the program follows a record 2025 flu season, with more than 24,500 flu cases in NSW children under 5. Children under 5 can also have the free injected vaccine. Ask your clinic which option it has in stock when you book. The children’s vaccinations and health checks page covers vaccines for younger children more broadly.
When should you get the flu vaccine in 2026?
Get vaccinated once the 2026 vaccine becomes available in April, before the flu season starts. The Australian Government advice says that is the recommended time, and that vaccination should still be offered for as long as flu viruses are circulating.
A few timing points are worth knowing:
- Last year’s vaccine does not cover this year. Flu viruses change, and the 2026 vaccines are updated to match the strains expected this season. People vaccinated in late 2025 or early 2026 are still advised to have a 2026 dose.
- Pregnancy. The vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy, and can be given at the same visit as the whooping cough or RSV vaccines. If you are pregnant, your antenatal shared care visits are a good opportunity.
- Other vaccines. Flu vaccines can be given at the same appointment as COVID-19, RSV and shingles vaccines.
What if you are not eligible for a free vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a flu vaccine every year for everyone aged 6 months and over, not only the funded groups. If you are not eligible, you can still be vaccinated privately: the vaccine itself has a cost, which varies by provider.
At a bulk billing practice, the GP consultation is bulk billed for Medicare card holders, so the cost you see is for the private vaccine. Ask about the current fee when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flu vaccine free for everyone in NSW in 2026?
No. In NSW, the free flu vaccine in 2026 is for the NIP groups: children 6 months to under 5, people 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with certain medical conditions. The nasal spray vaccine is free for children aged 2 to 4. Others can be vaccinated privately.
Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
No. The Australian Immunisation Handbook states that flu vaccines do not cause influenza, including the nasal spray, which contains a weakened live virus. Some people have a sore arm, tiredness or mild aches for a day or two afterwards, which can feel like a mild illness but is not the flu.
Do I need a flu shot every year?
Yes. Flu viruses change from year to year, so the vaccine is updated for each season. The 2026 vaccines cover the strains expected this year, so last year’s dose is not enough.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
Yes, in most cases. Government advice is that egg allergy is not a reason to avoid the flu vaccine. If you have a significant concern, tell the doctor or nurse, who may ask you to wait a little longer after the injection. People who have had anaphylaxis to a previous flu vaccine should not have it.
Booking your 2026 flu vaccine in Warrawong
King Street Medical offers both NIP-funded and private flu vaccines. The vaccinations page lists the vaccines available for adults and children, and you can book online or by phone.