Western Australians can get a free flu vaccine from May 1st as part of the Cook Labor Government’s annual immunisation program. The campaign, branded “Be Wise, Immunise”, is launching off the back of one of the worst flu seasons WA has ever recorded, with thousands of people of all ages hospitalised last winter.
Premier Roger Cook said the rollout was about reducing pressure on hospitals before winter takes hold. “Last year, WA recorded one of the worst flu seasons on record — our best defence this winter is for more of us to get vaccinated,” he said. “By working together and rolling up our sleeves, we can reduce pressure on our hospitals and protect our community this winter.”
The 2026 program also brings the rollout of FluMist, the first needle-free flu vaccine available in WA, for children aged two to 11. It’s a nasal spray rather than an injection, and the State Government has put $6.6 million behind getting it into circulation.
A WA-first: vaccination clinics at the footy
In a state-first, St John WA will run pop-up vaccination clinics at three AFL games at Optus Stadium: on May 2nd, 7th, and 17th. Footy fans heading to the ground on those days can get their winter jab between the gates and their seats.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said, “We’re making it easier for footy fans to get their winter vaccination sorted, with free pop-up clinics available at Optus Stadium across three game days.”
“Boosting vaccination rates will mean fewer flu cases, less pressure on our health system, and fewer missed games.”
Targets and a public scoreboard
The State Government is also publishing immunisation targets and tracking progress against them weekly. The targets for this winter 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.
Younger children and older adults have been singled out because they’re the two groups most likely to end up in hospital with the flu. In 2025, adults aged 65 and over had the highest rate of flu-related hospitalisations, followed by children aged six months to four years.
Progress against the targets will be published weekly throughout winter.
What’s funded, and what it covers
Alongside the $6.6 million for FluMist, the program includes $8.4 million for the 2026 Free Influenza Vaccine Program, $7.6 million for the 2026 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant Immunisation Program, and a $2.5 million expansion of the RSV program to older Western Australians and others most at risk of severe respiratory illness.
While the vaccine itself is free, individual providers, including some GPs and pharmacies, may charge a consultation or service fee.
