Melbourne, 7 September 2026
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84% of Australians living with hay fever say it changes their behaviour, with many avoiding outdoor activities, losing sleep or cancelling social plans.
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With both nose and eyes commonly affected by hay fever, two in three (66%) say hay fever symptoms continue getting in the way of everyday life despite taking medication.
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Ryaltris Allergy, previously available only by prescription, is now available over the counter through pharmacies, expanding access to another treatment option for Australians with hay fever symptoms.
With spring in full bloom, millions of Australians are once again preparing for hay fever season. Hay fever affects more than 6 million Australians, yet research suggests many put up with disruptive symptoms that continue to interfere with their everyday lives.1,2
A new YouGov survey commissioned by CSL Seqirus highlights that many Australians are putting up with the impact of hay fever as part of everyday life, with 84% reporting they change their behaviour because of their symptoms. More than one in four avoid spending time outdoors (28%), while a quarter lose sleep (25%). Others avoid exercising outdoors (20%), cancel social plans (18%), continue working or studying despite feeling unwell (21%), or miss work or study (10%).
The findings suggest that while nose and eye symptoms are the most common, their impact extends well beyond the physical symptoms, affecting many Australians' everyday lives. Only 7% describe their symptoms as easy to manage, with two in three (66%) respondents taking medication reporting that their symptoms at least sometimes get in the way of day-to-day life.
Australians are being encouraged to review whether their current treatment is still meeting their needs and speak with their pharmacist about the treatment options available to them.
Sarah Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia said the findings reflect the reality many Australians living with hay fever experience every year.
"Too often people adjust their lives around hay fever instead of recognising that ongoing symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Many people are not aware that there are different ways to manage hay fever, and the most appropriate approach will depend on their symptoms and individual circumstances.
“Speaking with a pharmacist or GP can help people understand the treatment options available, rather than simply accepting hay fever as something they have to live with." commented Ms Emery.
A community pharmacist and owner of TerryWhite Chemmart in Hawthorn, Andrew Farmer said the findings reflect conversations he has with patients every spring.
"Many people judge their hay fever by whether they can get through the day, rather than whether their symptoms are actually well controlled. They may not even realise what well-controlled hay fever looks like. If hay fever is affecting your sleep, work or your ability to enjoy being outdoors, it's worth talking to your pharmacist or GP about whether your current approach is still the right one for you.
"Community pharmacists are well placed to help people understand the treatment options available based on their symptoms. For some people, an over the counter option may be appropriate, while others may benefit from seeing their GP if their symptoms are more persistent or severe."
Claire Morgan, APAC Head of Medical Affairs at CSL Seqirus, said making Ryaltris Allergy available over the counter through pharmacy represents an important step in improving access to treatment.
"Hay fever affects millions of Australians every year, yet this research suggests many continue putting up with symptoms that affect their everyday lives.
"Making Ryaltris Allergy available over the counter means Australians with hay fever symptoms now have another treatment option to select from or discuss with their pharmacist, helping improve access to appropriate, timely care when symptoms are not well controlled."
Ryaltris Allergy is available over the counter in most major pharmacies nationwide.
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About hay fever
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects more than 6 million Australians. Despite its common name, allergic rhinitis is not caused by hay and does not result in fever. It is caused by the nose or eyes coming in contact with environmental allergens, such as pollens, dust mites, moulds, and animal dander (skin cells shed by animals). People who are sensitive to these allergens may then experience symptoms such as an itchy and runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, congestion and snoring.3
Hay fever is classified into seasonal and perennial (year-round) types. However, patients allergic to seasonal allergens, such as tree, grass or weed pollens, may still have symptoms for much of the year. For example, this may be the case in patients who are sensitised to multiple allergens or can occur in regions of Australia, such as Queensland, where it can be very difficult to define the pollen season.4
About Ryaltris Allergy
Ryaltris® Allergy is a dual-action nasal spray combining an antihistamine and a corticosteroid (olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate) used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hayfever or other year-round allergies such as pet, mould or dust allergies) and rhinoconjunctivitis (allergy defined by symptoms in the nose and eyes). Ryaltris Allergy should not be used in children under 12 years of age, those with increased risk of bleeding or recurrent nose bleeds and severe nasal infection and for more than 6 months without medical advice. For further information, please refer to the Ryaltris Consumer Medicine Information here.
RYALTRIS® is a registered trademark of Glenmark Specialty SA. Seqirus (Australia) Pty Ltd. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ABN 66 120 398 067.
About the survey
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 500 adults who experience one or more hayfever symptoms. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th – 10th August 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
About Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia is a registered charity and Australia’s only national patient support organisation, dedicated to helping individuals and carers alike in managing allergic disease. They work to raise awareness of allergic conditions in the community and provide credible, evidence-based information, resources and services to support Australians with allergic disease and those who care for them.
About CSL Seqirus
CSL Seqirus is part of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world, CSL Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness. With state-of-the-art production facilities in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, and leading R&D capabilities, CSL Seqirus utilizes egg, cell and adjuvant technologies to offer a broad portfolio of differentiated influenza vaccines in more than 20 countries around the world.
In Australia, CSL Seqirus operates the only local manufacturing facility for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine and produces a range of unique medicines in the national interest, including antivenoms and the world’s only human vaccine for Q fever. Our commitment to Australia’s health also extends to providing access to travel vaccines and innovative pharmaceuticals for patients living with allergies, cardiovascular disease, severe pain, dry eye disease, iron deficiency, kidney and rare diseases.
Intended Audience
This press release is issued from CSL Seqirus and is intended to provide information about our business to media. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved CSL Seqirus products may vary from country to country. Please consult your local regulatory authority on the approval status of CSL Seqirus products.
Additional information
In relation to this CSL Seqirus media announcement, no honorarium was provided to Andrew Farmer or Sarah Emery. Both have been briefed by CSL Seqirus on the TGA-approved use of this product.
For information on CSL products or to report an adverse event involving a CSL product, please contact CSL Seqirus on 1800 642 865.
References
- Data on file. YouGov consumer research conducted in August 2026 (n=500).
- AIHW. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-respiratory-conditions/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever. Last accessed: August 2026.
- Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) 2019. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever. Last accessed: August 2026.
- Bousquet J, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001; 108: S147-S334.
