WESTERN Australians are being encouraged to protect themselves this winter with the launch of the state government’s ‘Be wise, Immunise’ free flu vaccination program.
Last year, WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in hospitals treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages.
Getting vaccinated this winter is one of the best ways to protect the community.
The state 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 immunisation 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 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.
The National Asthma Council Australia is also reminding the 2.8 million Australians with asthma to get their annual flu vaccination.
Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby said the new, fast-moving strain of influenza dubbed ‘Super-K’ is circulating and this could have significant implications for people with asthma.
“The National Asthma Council Australia is recommending that people with asthma get a flu shot to provide the best possible protection before the peak winter season from June to September,” she said.
While the vaccine is free, individual providers may charge a consultation or service fee.
For more information go to www.access.health.wa.gov.au/immunisation
