Children's Nasal Flu Vaccine
A free flu vaccine for every child aged 2 to 17. Most children get it as a nasal spray, not an injection and there is no charge.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
A free nasal-spray flu vaccine for all children aged 2 to 17, available through GPs, pharmacies and some schools. Most children get it as a spray up the nose rather than an injection and it helps protect children and the people around them each winter.
Who can get it
- Your child is aged 2 to 17
- You are going to a GP, pharmacy or school programme that gives it
- You are within the seasonal vaccination window, which runs through the autumn and winter
- Most children get it as a nasal spray rather than an injection, which takes the fear out of it for a lot of children.
- It is available through GPs, pharmacies and some schools, so there is usually more than one route.
- The programme is seasonal, so it opens in the autumn rather than being available all year.
- The HSE's 2026/2027 winter vaccination programme launched on 8 October 2026. The flu vaccine is also free for people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, healthcare workers, people aged 6 months or older with certain health conditions, people living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, people who live with or care for someone with certain health conditions and people in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.
How to apply
Applications go through HSE. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
Is the children's flu vaccine free in Ireland?
Yes. It is free for every child aged 2 to 17.
Is it a needle?
Usually not. Most children get the flu vaccine as a spray up the nose. A child who cannot have the spray can be given it by injection.
Where can my child get it?
Through a GP, a pharmacy or some schools.
What ages is it for?
Children aged 2 to 17.
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