Free respiratory syncytial virus vaccinations are being offered for the first time to older Western Australians living in aged care facilities after last year’s horrific flu season.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious infections in the elderly and infants.
Mothers and infants were already entitled to free respiratory syncytial virus vaccinations, but on Thursday the state government expanded the program to people 65 and older living in nursing homes.
More than 12,000 RSV infections will be recorded in Washington state in 2025, with about one-third of those cases occurring in people aged 65 and older.
Preventive Health Minister Sabine Winton said thousands of people are expected to receive the vaccine.
“RSV is highly contagious and can cause serious illness in older people, especially those with heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems,” she said.
“This is part of our broader winter strategy to reduce the burden on emergency departments by preventing illness before it worsens.”
Vaccines are expensive
The private cost of the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine can cost up to $300, and a new $2.6 million program is expected to vaccinate 15,000 aged care residents this year.
Juniper aged care provider CEO Russell Bricknell said outbreaks of respiratory infections in aged care settings were becoming more common.
“Having access to free RSV vaccine means we can have an impact on the well-being and quality of life of older people living in our region. [aged care] It’s well-equipped,” Bricknell said.
“We have about 1,500 people living in aged care facilities and if you do the math, that’s quite a few hundred thousand dollars saved.
“This is an exciting new item to our arsenal for the winter season and we look forward to rolling it out.”
reduce pressure on hospitals
Royal Australian College of GPs president Ramya Raman also welcomed the announcement, saying it would help ease pressure on the health system.
Dr. Ramya Lama hopes the free vaccine will help ease the burden on hospitals.
“RSV can be life-threatening to older adults, especially those receiving care,” Dr. Raman said.
“This initiative protects individuals while relieving pressure on emergency departments and hospital wards at their busiest times.”
worst winter
The rollout of the RSV vaccine is one of several measures aimed at easing pressure on WA hospitals this winter after the worst flu season on record in 2025, when more than 35,000 flu cases were recorded.
In January of this year, the ambulance drove for more than 4,000 hours outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital.
Minister Winton said the introduction of the RSV vaccine for infants and young children had already resulted in 500 fewer patients visiting hospitals.
Juniper will begin its annual vaccination program for elderly care facility residents in March.
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