- Free Influenza Vaccination Program extended until 31 July 2026
- All Western Australians aged six months and older can get vaccinated for free
- Cook Labor Government encourages Western Australians to Be Wise, Immunise ahead of the peak winter period
The Cook Labor Government has extended its Free Influenza Vaccine Program until the end of July to give Western Australians extra time to get themselves protected ahead of the peak winter period.
The extension comes as the state prepares for an expected increase in respiratory illnesses ahead of the winter respiratory illness peak, reinforcing the importance of vaccination to protect vulnerable people and reduce pressure on our hospitals.
Last year, WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in hospitals across the State treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages. Getting vaccinated this winter is one of the best ways to protect the community.
The extension comes after the Cook Labor Government recently announced a $1 million investment to boost flu vaccination uptake during winter to participating GP clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services across Western Australia.
This initiative will support primary care providers to deliver additional flu vaccination clinics and proactively contact patients who may be overdue for vaccination, with more than 500 GP and Aboriginal Medical Services registered for the program.
The $1 million investment follows the launch of the Cook Labor Government's 2026 Be Wise, Immunise campaign, helping make flu vaccines more Western Australians access free flu vaccinations.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.
Vaccination remains the most safe and effective protection method against severe illness and helps to reduce transmission within the community.
The extension of the Free Influenza Vaccine Program forms part of the Cook Labor Government's broader Winter Strategy, focused on prevention, keeping Western Australians healthy and ensuring hospital capacity remains available for those who need it most.
Free influenza vaccinations remain available through participating GPs, pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services, nurse practitioner clinics, corporate vaccination service providers and community health clinics.
For more information, visit HealthyWA .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Keeping Western Australians healthy during winter is a key priority for the Cook Labor Government.
"By extending our Free Influenza Vaccine Program, we are making it easier for more people to protect themselves and their families during the peak influenza season.
"Higher vaccination coverage will help reduce the spread of influenza in the community while easing pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments during one of the busiest times of the year."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Extending the Free Influenza Vaccine Program gives Western Australians more time to access protection against influenza before the peak winter period.
"Our new initiatives including GP and Aboriginal Medical Services grants have shown that making vaccination convenient helps drive community uptake.
"Vaccination is one of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to protect yourself and others this winter."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"We know that influenza can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, particularly for vulnerable members of our community.
"This initiative is an important part of our 2026 Winter Strategy to help ease pressure on our health system during the busiest months of the year.
"By increasing vaccination coverage across the State, we can help reduce the spread of illness and ensure hospitals can continue caring for those who need it most.
"Now is the time to get vaccinated ahead of the peak winter season, let's all be wise and immunise."
