Queensland Government Flu Vaccination Programs
2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program
On 6 February 2026, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to extend the Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program for a fifth consecutive year.
Starting 1 March 2026, the Program fully covers the cost of flu vaccinations for all Queenslanders aged six months and older.
The initiative aims to increase flu vaccination rates, particularly among those who are not eligible for a free vaccine under the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Under the NIP, free flu vaccinations are only available to at-risk groups, including:
- children aged 6 months to 5 years;
- pregnant women;
- people 65 years and older;
- First Nations people; and
- individuals with certain medical conditions.
With flu vaccination rates declining in recent years, this program will eliminate cost as a barrier, helping ensure broad protection for all Queenslanders, including those who are not eligible under the NIP.
- 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
- Program timeline
- Queensland Free Flu Programs Claiming
- Resources
2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
The Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program (the Program) will be offered for free in 2026 for all children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive) and children aged 6 to 17 years (inclusive) who struggle with getting a needle. The Program runs from 1 March to 30 September 2026.
This program will use FluMist®, a nasally administered live influenza vaccine, which is approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
FluMist® will be made available for free across Queensland, in General Practices, pharmacies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services, and other community immunisation providers.
Clinical advice can be found here:
More information can also be found in the Queensland Free Flu Programs Claiming section and 2026 Flu Vaccination Programs FAQ below.
Other information about the program can be accessed from Queensland Health, with further updates to be added as they become available.
Let parents know you stock FluMist®
Find a Pharmacy now has a service called: Influenza Nasal Spray Vaccination
If you have ordered stock of FluMist® now is the time to update your pharmacy services so patients can find your pharmacy and book an appointment.
You can update your services on Find a Pharmacy via your myGuild account.
Program timeline
The Program will run from 1 March to 30 September 2026.
Queenslanders can receive their free flu vaccine at participating community pharmacies as soon as the 2026 flu vaccine stock becomes available.
Reimbursement will follow similarly as the previous year:
- $25.00 excluding GST, for each privately purchased stock of flu dose administered (where NIP is ineligible only)
For delivery of NIP-funded influenza vaccinations and FluMist:
- Follow usual payment pathway for NIP-funded vaccinations
- A reimbursement of $20.05 is available for each NIP-funded influenza vaccine or state-funded FluMist dose (see below) administered in instances where NIPVIP claims are not permitted - for example, when vaccinating children under five years of age.
Queensland Free Flu Programs Claiming
In partnership with MedAdvisor, your Guild has released an on-demand webinar outlining the Queensland Free Flu and MenB Programs for 2026.
The session will cover claiming processes, workflow, reporting requirements and payment information.
Please Note: This pre-recorded webinar was created prior to the extension to FluMist® eligibility to 6 to 17 year olds who struggle to have a needle. Claiming for this group is the same for 2-5 year olds eligible for FluMist® .
How to Claim Reimbursements for Participation in the Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program
Overview of the 2026 Program
The 2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program provides free influenza vaccines for all Queensland residents aged 6 months and older, running 1 March – 30 September 2026.
This program operates alongside the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which continues to fund vaccines for eligible at‑risk groups.
1. Pharmacies Using MedAdvisor
Participating pharmacies can claim reimbursement directly through MedAdvisor for all vaccinations delivered under the 2026 program.
Pharmacies should refer to updated 2026 resources, including:
- 2026 Influenza Vaccination flowchart – Guild Member Resource
- Claiming for Influenza Vaccinations 2026 – Guild Member Resource
- MedAdvisor 2026 Workflow & Payment Guide – MedAdvisor Resource
FluMist® is now eligible for individuals aged 6–17 who struggle with needles and can be claimed in the same way as for 2–5-year-olds as part of the state program. This guide was written prior to these changes.
These resources outline:
- Claim submission steps
- Payment schedules
- Required documentation
- Reconciliation processes
2. Pharmacies Not Using MedAdvisor
Pharmacies not using MedAdvisor will be able to submit manual claims directly to Queensland Health. Queensland Health will publish updated 2026 manual claiming instructions on their website.
Resources
Factsheets
Click above tiles to download factsheets.
Free Flu Vaccination Member Toolkit
A Free Flu Vaccination Member Toolkit are available digitally, giving you flexible access to campaign materials and resources. All members will be able to download the digital toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Queensland Free Flu Vaccinations
1. How do I claim reimbursement from Queensland Health for flu vaccinations that we have administered or supplied
Claims can be made through Medadvisor, or directly through Queensland Health through this form.
Medadvsior has created an on-demand webinar on how to claim, and this can be viewed in the above Queensland Free Flu Programs Claiming section.
2. How much will I receive for each administration or supply of a flu vaccination from the government?
Vaccine administration | Payment From | Reimbursement Amount (excluding GST) |
|---|---|---|
NIP 6 months to <5 years | Queensland Health | $20.05 |
NIP 5 years and over in a pharmacy setting, a RACF or a disability home | Commonwealth (NIPVIP) | $20.05 |
NIP influenza administered in all other | Queensland Health | $20.05 |
Queensland funded FluMist for children all aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive) and children aged 6 to 17 years (inclusive) who struggle with getting a needle | Queensland Health | $20.05 |
Private Market Influenza (all brands) | Queensland Health | $25.00 |
Dispensing only, of a flu vaccine (where the pharmacy requires administration to be performed by an authorised health practitioner) | Queensland Health | $14.00 |
3. Can I administer a non-standard private flu vaccines such as Flucelvax® (≥ 6 months), Fluzone High-Dose® (> 60 years), Fluad® (50 years and over)?
Yes, if a consumer wishes to be vaccinated with an influenza vaccine other than a standard influenza vaccine, the government will only subsidise for a payment of $25.00 excl. GST. Therefore, there will be a gap cost to the consumer.
Before giving the vaccine, it is best to explain to patients why these specialised vaccines cost more than the standard influenza vaccine, and let them know about the free options available through the Queensland 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program.
4. Which vaccination is appropriate for the individual, and which claiming process should I follow?
If you are using MedAdvisor, the appropriate claiming pathway will already be chosen for you. However, your Guild has created a member-only resource to help you understand which claims align with each program, the population groups they apply to, and the corresponding payment amounts.
5. Where can I find more information about the Queensland government funded flu vaccine programs?
6. Can I vaccinate off-site, in another place other than my pharmacy?
The Queensland Government’s changes to vaccination legislation in Queensland has changed. Pharmacists are not limited to specific locations to vaccinate. Please see more information on our off-site vaccination page.
7. I want to advertise that my pharmacy can provide flu vaccinations this year, including the live attenuated nasal spray. Is there any guidance on this?
Advertising of clinical services or clinical goods may be regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and/or AHPRA. Other relevant legislation and standards may also apply. You can see further guidance on the Guild's Advertising of therapeutic goods and health services by pharmacies page.
8. Where can I access clinical recommendations for this season’s influenza vaccinations?
Intranasal Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV; FluMist®)
1. Is the intranasal LAIV (FluMist®) available to be administered to persons over 5 years of age?
The intranasally administered FluMist® will be available in Australia for children aged 2–17 years as clinically advised by ATAGI. The Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program will be offered for free in 2026 for all children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive) and children aged 6 to 17 years (inclusive) who struggle with getting a needle.
2. Is the intranasal LAIV (FluMist®) available on the NIP?
No, it is not currently available on the NIP.
3. How do I determine whether LAIV (FluMist®) or an inactivated influenza vaccine is the most appropriate option for a patient?
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether a patient should receive an intramuscular inactivated influenza vaccine or the intranasal LAIV (FluMist®).
The choice should be guided by clinical judgement, supported by open, shared discussions with the patient and their parents to ensure the option selected aligns with their clinical needs and preferences.
Contraindications to LAIV, including:
- LAIV is contraindicated in individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. In such cases, an inactivated influenza vaccine should be used instead.
- A history of anaphylaxis to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.
- Anaphylaxis following any component of an influenza vaccine.
FluMist® is category B1 in pregnancy, and the decision to administer should be treated with caution (noting it is only registered for children aged 2 to less than 18 years). Use an inactive influenza vaccination instead in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
For further guidance, you may also refer to the influenza vaccine comparison table provided by NCIRS.
Additionally, please note that government funding for free LAIV (FluMist®) administration includes all children aged 2 to 5 years (inclusive) and children aged 6 to 17 years (inclusive) who struggle with getting a needle.
4. How is stock for the intranasal LAIV (FluMist®) ordered?
Order from the Queensland Health page here for stock that will be administered under the 2026 Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program.
For administration to individuals who do not qualify for the government funded program, please order your stock through your private wholesaler.
5. My pharmacy is not a Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) registered Immunisation Service Provider. Can I still administer the intranasal flu vaccination (Flumist®) and how should I claim it?
Pharmacies unregistered with QHIP cannot order Flumist® from the state government. Therefore, you will need to use your privately ordered stock for administration. As your stock is privately purchased, you will claim this as you would with a private market influenza vaccine and will be reimbursed $25.00 (excluding GST) from Queensland Health.
For more information, please contact:
Page last updated on: 01 June 2026