WA rolls out free RSV vaccine for aged care residents

The Cook Government has announced a significant new health initiative, providing free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations to older West Australians residing in aged care homes.

This $2.6 million program, set to commence in mid-May, aims to protect approximately 15,000 residents this year, bolstering their health during the winter months.

In 2025, Western Australia recorded 12,804 RSV cases, with around one-third occurring in people aged over 65, many of whom required hospital admission.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can affect people of all ages, but it poses a particularly serious threat to infants and older individuals.

The risk of severe RSV disease, including complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, increases with age and is exacerbated by underlying conditions, such as cardiac and respiratory illness or weakened immune systems.

For the first time, the Arexvy® RSV vaccine, which typically costs around $300 privately, will be made available at no cost to all people aged 65 and over in residential aged care homes. This program is expected to significantly reduce the severity of RSV infections and the risk of serious complications among this vulnerable population.

WA Premier Roger Cook said the state’s health system is under increasing pressure due to the ageing population.

“Our health system is seeing more patients who are older, sicker and have complex health needs,” he said.

“The RSV immunisation program will keep more Western Australians well over the winter months and ease the pressure on our emergency departments.”

This new program builds on the success of Western Australia’s existing immunisation strategies. The Cook government introduced a nation-leading RSV immunisation program for babies under 12 months of age in 2024, which has since significantly reduced the number of hospitalisations of infants over winter.

Preventative health minister Sabine Winton said the jabs will work with the state’s investment in flu vaccines to protect residents over the coming winter.

“Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect one another, keep vulnerable Western Australians well, and support a stronger, more resilient health system through the winter months,” she said.

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the announcement, with RACGP WA chair Dr Ramya Raman calling it a vital step in protecting vulnerable older Western Australians.

“RSV can be life-threatening for older adults, particularly those in aged care. Providing this vaccine free of charge will prevent serious illness, reduce hospital admissions, and protect residents who are most at risk,” she said.

“GPs see firsthand the impact that respiratory infections have every winter. A free RSV vaccine program for older adults, alongside WA’s successful infant immunisation program, strengthens protection across generations and fosters healthier communities.”