- Cook Government to expand access to free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to older Western Australians in residential aged care
- First time the vaccine has been made free for older Western Australians
- It is estimated 15,000 aged care residents will be vaccinated this year
- State-funded program builds on the Cook Government's successful infant RSV immunisation program
- Cook Government supporting the wellbeing of all Western Australians
The Cook Government will provide a free RSV vaccine for older Western Australians in residential aged care homes through a $2.6 million program, to keep more people well over the winter months.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the old and the young. With the vaccination costing around $300 privately, aged care residents will now get the vaccination for free.
In adults, the risk of severe RSV disease increases with age. Certain underlying conditions, such as cardiac and respiratory illness, and immunocompromising conditions, can put older adults at greater risk for serious complications of RSV.
The Arexvy RSV vaccine will be available to all people aged 65 and over in residential aged care homes.
Through the 2026 RSV program, the Department of Health has estimated 15,000 residents will be vaccinated this year.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection is a significant illness in older adults. In 2025, WA reported 12,804 RSV cases.
Of those cases, around a third were in people aged over 65 with many becoming very unwell and requiring hospital admission.
The Arexvy vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of RSV infections and the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The initiative follows the success of Western Australia's infant and maternal RSV immunisation program.
It also complementsthe State Government's $4.78million investment tosecure 130,000 doses of theFluMistintranasal vaccinefor children aged between two and 12 years old.
In 2024, the Cook Government introduced a nation-leading RSV immunisation program for babies under 12 months of age, reducing the hospitalisation of hundreds of babies over winter.
The Cook Labor Government will continue to prioritise initiatives that keep Western Australians well and support healthy communities.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Our health system is seeing more patients who are older, sicker and have complex heath needs, reflecting the impact of an ageing population.
"The RSV immunisation program will keep more Western Australians well over the winter months and ease the pressure on our emergency departments.
"This initiative comes on top of our nation-leading RSV immunisation program for babies under 12 months of age, reducing the hospitalisation of hundreds of babies over winter."
Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus. While it can affect people of any age, it can cause serious illness for older people - especially those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
"This RSV program complements our significant investment to secure 130,000 doses of the FluMist nasal spray vaccine for children aged two to 12, which will be a game-changer for protecting kids and families this winter.
"Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect one another, keep vulnerable Western Australians well, and support a stronger, more resilient health system through the winter months.
"Our government is focused on keeping Western Australians well and out of hospital, particularly those most at risk over winter."
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
"Our health system is seeing more patients who are older, sicker and have complex heath needs, reflecting the impact of an ageing population.
"Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect each other and ease pressure on emergency departments.
"The RSV vaccination program for older adults is another example of how we are investing in prevention, strengthening aged care services and easing pressure on the health system.
"This free vaccination program is one way we can support older Western Australians to stay well over winter."
