State Government launches Be Wise, Immunise to help WA beat the flu this winter

A man holds up his shirt sleeve showing a bandaid from having a recent injection , he is smiling and sitting in a lawn chair in a backyard. A caption reads Flu immunisation is free in May and June.
30/04/2026

Last year, WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in our hospitals treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages. Getting vaccinated this winter is one the best ways to protect the community.

The State Government is encouraging Western Australians to protect themselves this winter with the launch of its free flu vaccination program, which kicks off tomorrow to coincide with the "Be Wise, Immunise" public awareness campaign and 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 State Government will also set public immunisation targets so that Western Australians can be informed about progress against vaccination rates.

The 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, as well as making it easier than ever to access a winter immunisation, including through the following initiatives:

  • FluMist, the first needle-free influenza vaccine for children aged two to 11 years;
  • Expansion of the RSV immunisation program to older Western Australians and those most at risk of severe respiratory illness; and
  • Vaccination pop-up clinics delivered by St John WA will be rolled out at AFL games at Optus Stadium on 2, 7 and 17 May.

While the vaccine is free, individual providers may charge a consultation or service fee.  

For more information visit: access.health.wa.gov.au/immunisation
Last Updated: 30/04/2026