The WA Government has expanded its influenza (flu) immunisation program to include at-risk groups that currently are not funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.
The expanded program will now include:
- people experiencing homelessness
- residents in congregate (shared) living settings, such as:
- disability care
- mental health hostels
- youth group housing.
People at higher risk of serious complications from the flu and already eligible under the NIP to receive their free flu vaccine include:
- pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- children aged six months to less than five years
- primary school aged children (Pre-primary to Year 6)
- people 65 years and older
- Aboriginal people six months and older
- people six months and older with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe influenza.
All immunisation providers across WA will be able to access government-funded flu vaccines for these groups. Vaccination outreach and in-reach clinics for these cohorts will be provided by the WA COVID Vaccination Program.
The flu vaccine is available from immunisation services including GPs (general practices), community immunisation clinics, Aboriginal medical services and community pharmacies. An administrative fee may be charged for people getting their vaccination at a GP or pharmacy.
The flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, for those eligible for winter COVID-19 boosters, or anyone who hasn’t yet had three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Visit HealthyWA for more information about the flu vaccine
