Free flu vaccinations will be available across WA for the fourth winter in a row ahead of what is expected to be a higher-than-average flu season.
Running from 1 May to 30 June all people aged five to 65 who are not eligible for a jab under the National Immunisation Program will be able to access the vaccine free of charge.
General practices, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services, nurse practitioner clinics, corporate vaccination service providers and community health clinics may all participate in the program, according to a statement from WA Health.
The program is available to anyone in WA, including interstate and international visitors and those without a Medicare card.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Ramya Raman said WA was leading by example with its fourth annual flu vaccination drive.
“Making this vaccine accessible for everyone State-wide will save lives. At the end of March, there were more than 4000 lab-confirmed cases of influenza, and this is likely only scratching the surface.
“During the same time last year, there were 1,767 confirmed influenza cases.
“We must be prepared, and the number one defence we have against this virus is getting as many people vaccinated as possible. More than 1000 deaths in 2024 involved the flu, a 67.3% increase on the year before.
“Unfortunately, vaccination rates are falling. For children aged five and under, vaccination coverage was only 30.3% in 2023 and just 25.8% last year.”
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The College has been urging all patients to roll up their sleeves to protect themselves against the virus following reports of a record number of cases this year.
Australia has already recorded more than 48,000 cases of lab-confirmed influenza this year, which is 50% higher than this time last year.
Latest WA data show there were 337 cases of flu reported in the week ending 30 March, a decrease from the 383 the week before but still above the seasonal average.
Up to 12 March 2025, WA has reported 3,442 influenza cases in the year to date.
“This year, we’re witnessing record case numbers, and it’s vital that we get as many people vaccinated as possible,” Dr Raman added.
“The more people we have vaccinated within our communities, the easier it will be to protect those most vulnerable, including older patients and those who are immunocompromised.”
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The FluQuadri vaccine is available to providers participating in the State’s free flu vaccine program.
The vaccine should only be administered to those eligible under the program, those eligible under the NIP should be given a NIP-funded vaccine.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat cautioned that other parts of the world had experienced a severe flu season, which had significant impacts on hospitals and people’s ability to access healthcare.
“There has been an increase in the number of flu-related hospitalisations in recent years and with winter approaching I encourage our community to take up this opportunity and get vaccinated.”
More information can be found here.
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