- Cook Labor Government free flu vaccination program kicks off on 1 May
- "Be Wise, Immunise" campaign and new flu vaccination targets to encourage an increased uptake by the community
- Pop-up influenza vaccination clinics at AFL games at Optus Stadium for the first time
- Ensuring all Western Australians have access to healthcare they need is a priority of State Government
The Cook Labor Government is encouraging Western Australians to protect themselves this winter with the launch of its free flu vaccination program, which kicks off tomorrow to coincide with the "Be Wise, Immunise" public awareness campaign.
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. Getting vaccinated this winter is one the best ways to protect the community.
The Cook Labor Government is working to strengthen winter preparedness, increase vaccination coverage and reduce hospitalisations associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This includes new initiatives, including in a WA first, pop-up vaccination clinics at AFL games at Optus Stadium.
The Cook Labor Government will also set public immunisation targets so that Western Australians can be informed about progress against vaccination rates.
The targets are:
- 30 per cent of infants and children under 12;
- 65 per cent of adults aged 65 and over; and
- 40 per cent of all eligible Western Australians.
Young children and older adults have been prioritised because they are most at risk of serious illness. In 2025, adults aged 65 years and older had the highest rate of influenza-related hospitalisations, followed by children aged 6 months to 4 years.
Progress towards the targets will be available weekly over winter .
The Cook Labor Government is making it easier than ever to access a winter immunisation, including through the following initiatives:
- $6.6 million for FluMist, the first needle-free influenza vaccine for children aged two to 11 years;
- $8.4 million for the 2026 Free Influenza Vaccine Program;
- $7.6 million for the 2026 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant Immunisation Program;
- $2.5 million expansion of the RSV immunisation program to older Western Australians and those most at risk of severe respiratory illness; and
- Vaccination pop-up clinics delivered by St John WA will be rolled out at AFL games at Optus Stadium on 2, 7 and 17 May.
The expanded program is designed to increase immunisation coverage, reduce the impact of winter respiratory illness and ease pressure on hospitals and health services across the State.
While the vaccine is free, individual providers may charge a consultation or service fee.
For more information click the following link: access.health.wa.gov.au/immunisation
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government is committed to keeping Western Australians safe and healthy this winter.
"Last year, WA recorded one of the worst flu seasons on record - our best defence this winter is for more of us to get vaccinated.
"We've set ambitious targets to help drive up vaccination rates.
"By working together and rolling up our sleeves, we can reduce pressure on our hospitals and protect our community this winter."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"Investing in prevention is one of the most effective ways we can reduce pressure on our hospitals and support our health system over winter.
"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
"We're making it easier for footy fans to get their winter vaccination sorted, with free pop-up clinics available at Optus Stadium across three game days.
"Boosting vaccination rates will mean fewer flu cases, less pressure on our health system, and fewer missed games."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"The 'Be Wise, Immunise' campaign is about encouraging the WA community to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
"We have made it easier than ever for people to get vaccinated - whether that's at their GP, local pharmacy or even at the footy. We know the influenza vaccine is safe and effective.
"We've set practical but ambitious community targets to help drive uptake and track our progress - these targets include one in three children under 12, 65 per cent of over 65s, and 40 per cent of the total population to get a vaccination this winter.
"Our government is investing a further $7.6 million in our nation leading RSV Infant Immunisation Program, which we know is preventing infant hospitalisations in winter."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Winter places significant pressure on our hospitals and health workforce, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can reduce that impact.
"The expansion of RSV immunisation, alongside our influenza programs, is about protecting those most at risk - including young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
"Typically, WA achieves high influenza vaccination coverage in adults aged 65 years and older, further improving on these rates will help us keep the most vulnerable protected this winter.
"I encourage all Western Australians to take advantage of the free vaccines available and play their part in keeping our community safe this winter."
