The McGowan Government has expanded its influenza (flu) immunisation program to include at-risk groups not presently funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
The expanded program will now include people experiencing homelessness and residents in congregate (shared) living settings such as disability care, mental health hostels and youth group housing.
People at higher risk of serious complications from influenza are also eligible under the NIP to receive their free influenza vaccine. These groups currently include:
- pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy);
- children aged six months to less than five years;
- primary school-aged children (pre-primary to Year 6);
- people 65 years and older;
- Aboriginal people six months and older; and
- people six months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe influenza.
All immunisation providers across the State will be able to access Government-funded influenza vaccines for these groups, and vaccination outreach and in-reach clinics for these cohorts will be provided by the Western Australian COVID-19 vaccination program.
The influenza vaccine is available from immunisation services, including general practice, community immunisation clinics, Aboriginal medical services and community pharmacies. An administrative fee may be charged for people getting their vaccination at a GP or pharmacy.
WA Health's influenza immunisation campaign is also now underway across the State.
For more information on the flu vaccination, visit https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/influenza
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Influenza can take a considerable toll, especially on our more vulnerable members of the community.
"Western Australia has been relatively protected from the flu over the past two years, but health authorities are predicting higher case numbers this year.
"With that knowledge, the WA Government is expanding our influenza immunisation program to ensure every vulnerable Western Australian has access to a free flu shot.
"Flu season is almost upon us and the best way to protect ourselves and those people considered most at-risk of complications from influenza is to get vaccinated."
