Explore the latest developments concerning WA aged care.
Free RSV vaccines will be offered to older Western Australians in residential aged care. ( ABC News: Brendan Esposito)
After a horror flu season last year, free RSV vaccinations are being rolled out for the first time for older Western Australians living in residential aged care.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious illness that can cause a severe infection in older adults and babies.
Mothers and babies were already entitled to free RSV vaccinations, and on Thursday the state government expanded the program to include those aged 65 and older living in residential aged care.
It feels like every year we're told this is one of the worst flu seasons on record. But this time around, doctors really mean it.
Around 15,000 free doses of the RSV vaccine are set to be rolled out at WA aged-care homes ahead of winter.
For the first time vaccines for the respiratory syncytial virus will be free for those 65 and over in residential aged care homes through a $2.6 million State-first program.
It mirrors a program introduced last year where the vaccine – which currently costs around $300 to buy – was free for infants and people over 28 weeks pregnant, others considered the most vulnerable in society.
According to the Government, less than one per cent of people over 60 received the vaccine last year.
But about 25 per cent of people over 65 who contracted RSV in 2025 ended up in hospital.
Shadow Minister for Aged Care and Member for Warren-Blackwood Bevan Eatts MLA has welcomed the Government’s decision to provide free RSV immunisation for older Western Australians in residential aged care is a welcome step — and one the Opposition has been calling for months.
Mr Eatts said the announcement shows that persistent, practical advocacy can deliver real outcomes for seniors.
“This is a win for common sense — and for the many families and healthcare workers who have raised this issue with me,” Mr Eatts said.
“We have consistently called on the Government to fund free RSV vaccinations for older Western Australians, and today’s announcement shows that when you keep the pressure on and put forward practical solutions, the Government is forced to listen.”
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning WA aged care.
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