This update is primarily for vaccination providers and outlines key information about the 2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program, including eligibility, vaccine ordering, reimbursement and patient promotion resources.
The program commenced on 1 March and runs until 30 September 2026. All Queensland residents aged 6 months and over can access a free influenza vaccine through their preferred provider, including general practice, pharmacies, Aboriginal medical services, aged care providers and other community immunisation clinics, including people without a Medicare card. Children aged 2 to 5 (before they turn 6) can also now be vaccinated using a nasal spray instead of having an injection.
Every opportunity should be taken to offer influenza vaccination, particularly to people who may be more vulnerable to serious illness, including young children, older people, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people who are pregnant, and people with chronic health conditions.
There is no change for people eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), who will continue to receive a NIP-funded vaccine as usual.
Ordering 2026 influenza vaccines
Influenza vaccines should continue to be ordered through usual processes.
For NIP-eligible people, and for children eligible for FluMist under the 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, registered immunisation providers should continue to order funded vaccines directly through the Queensland Health Immunisation Program.
For people who are not eligible for the NIP or the FluMist program, immunisation providers should administer influenza vaccines from their privately purchased stock. Please note that any remaining or unadministered stock from the current season will not be reimbursed.
If you still have questions about ordering, email [email protected]
Reimbursement process for providers
Providers will be able to seek reimbursement for influenza vaccines administered between 1 March and 30 September 2026. Please note that not all providers will have vaccine stock available from 1 March 2026.
To be eligible for reimbursement:
- the vaccine must be administered to a Queensland resident
- the vaccination must occur between 1 March and 30 September 2026
2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
For children eligible for FluMist under the 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, registered immunisation providers should continue to order funded vaccines directly through the Queensland Health Immunisation Program.
You can also find more information about:
- influenza vaccines administered to people who are not eligible for the NIP or FluMist funded under the 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
- NIP-funded influenza vaccines and FluMist doses funded under the 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
Promote the flu campaign to your patients
Providers are encouraged to use the 2026 flu campaign kit resources to help promote vaccination to patients.
Looking for a flu vaccination appointment?
If you are a resident in the region and need to find an appointment, use the healthdirect Service Finder to locate a flu vaccination provider near you.