Last year WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in our hospitals treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages.
That’s why ahead of this year’s winter flu season we’re asking more Western Australians to ‘Be Wise, Immunise’.
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s safe and it’s free.
To protect our community and each other, we’ve set targets to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated.
The targets are:
We are stronger together so be wise and immunise to help Western Australia beat the flu this winter.
Winter brings a higher risk of respiratory illnesses, especially influenza and RSV. The best way to reduce your risk of getting sick and prevent severe illness is to get the seasonal flu vaccine and RSV vaccine if eligible.
The flu vaccine is available for free from 1 May to 30 June for people aged 6 months and over. This year, a needle-free nasal spray (FluMist) is also available for children aged 2 to 11 years. Eligible pregnant women, infants, young children and older adults can be immunised for free against RSV.
People should get vaccinated just before the start of the flu season for the most effective protection, although getting vaccinated at any time during the influenza season can still help prevent flu infections. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection (antibodies) against the influenza virus.
Flu spreads through tiny particles released into the air when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. A person can catch the influenza virus by being close to someone who is sick or by sharing the same closed space. It can also be spread by hands contaminated by the virus.
Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community from serious infectious diseases.
In WA, immunisations are available through GPs, local immunisation clinics, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services – it’s easily accessible, safe and free!
Staying up to date with vaccines helps your immune system recognise and be prepared to fight germs before you are potentially exposed to them, reducing the risk of developing severe illness, hospitalisation, and long-term complications.
Annual influenza vaccination is the most important measure to prevent flu and its complications. It is recommended for all people 6 months and over.
Annual flu vaccination is available free to at-risk groups through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including children under five, people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with underlying health conditions from April to September.
In May and June, everyone in WA can receive a free flu vaccine.
You can book an appointment at a participating GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, community immunisation clinic or for people aged 2 years and over, at a community pharmacy.
Please note: individual providers may charge a consultation or service fee. Make sure you check costs when booking your appointment.
RSV immunisation is recommended for people at higher risk, including:
Your eligibility and timing for RSV immunisation may vary depending on your age, health status and stage of pregnancy.
Immunisation is recommended at specific stages throughout life. These schedules are based on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and additional WA funded vaccines.
Children receive vaccines from birth to 4 years to protect them from diseases such as whooping cough, measles, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, and hepatitis. Childhood vaccines are free for eligible families, and up‑to‑date immunisation is required for childcare and early education enrolment in WA.
Adolescent immunisation is mainly delivered through school programs (Year 7 and Year 10), protecting against HPV, diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis (dTpa), and meningococcal ACWY. Catch‑up vaccines are available up to age 20 (or 26 for HPV).
Adults may need vaccines depending on age, health conditions, pregnancy, occupation, or travel. Some vaccines are free under the NIP or WA-funded programs.
If you or your child have missed vaccines, free catch up options are available for many age groups. Refugees and humanitarian entrants are eligible for free catch up vaccines at any age.
Getting vaccinated is usually quick and straightforward:
Learn more about how vaccines are tested, monitored, and proven safe to protect you and your community.
Stay well to keep doing the things you love this winter.
Keeping your immunisations up to date ensures the best protection. You can check your records through:
