- WA's nation-leading respiratory syncytial virus immunisation program set to expand access for older and at-risk Western Australians
- Additional support for vulnerable people, including those medically at risk, experiencing homelessness, in disability care, in custody, or in mental health hostels
- Cook Labor Government supporting the wellbeing of all Western Australians
The Cook Labor Government is expanding access to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation, to protect more Western Australians ahead of the winter season.
In February, the Cook Labor Government announced it would provide free RSV immunisations for residents aged 65 years and over in residential aged care homes.
The State Labor Government welcomes the Federal Government's announcement to provide free RSV immunisations for people 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over. This program commences on 15 May 2026.
Following the Commonwealth program launch, the State Labor Government is expanding its nation-leading RSV program, and the following groups will also be eligible for a State-funded RSV vaccination program:
- all residents of residential aged care facilities (50 to 74);
- Commonwealth Support at Home recipients (50 to 74 years);
- people experiencing homelessness (60 to 74 years);
- residents of specialist disability accommodation (60 to 74 years);
- people in corrective services facilities (60 to 74 years);
- residents of residential mental health services (60 to 74 years); and
- medically at-risk people within the above cohorts (50 to 59 years).
RSV can lead to serious illness in at-risk adults over the age of 50, particularly for those with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, with the risk of complications increasing with age.
In 2025, a total of 12,803 RSV cases were notified in Western Australia. People aged 65 years and older accounted for 21 per cent of cases and over 700 hospitalisations.
The expansion follows the success of WA's infant and maternal RSV immunisation program.
These programs will continue to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians in the community, particularly those most at risk during the winter period.
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"RSV can lead to severe illness, particularly those with existing health conditions.
"This is about making sure people who are often hardest to reach are not left behind when it comes to important health protections."
"By extending access to those experiencing homelessness or those who are medically at risk, we're helping ensure more vulnerable Western Australians can stay well through winter."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Western Australia has been leading the nation when it comes to providing access to RSV vaccinations.
"RSV is a horrible illness, which can be fatal, particularly to our vulnerable cohorts.
"Through our further expanded free RSV vaccination program, we'll help more Western Australians to stay well at home this winter."
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
"Vulnerable older Western Australians, such as those in residential aged care, in disability care, or in mental health hostels deserve access to the care and protection they need.
"This expanded program ensures more people can receive the RSV vaccine, particularly those who may have previously faced cost or access barriers."
