Access Health WA | Find the right health care faster - Immunisation in WA Access Health WA | Find the right health care faster Find the closest Emergency Department and hospital in WA Urgent Care Clinics in WA | Find care near you today WA Virtual Emergency Department | Virtual ED Immunisation in WA Find a GP or doctor near you in Perth, WA | Access Health WA Find a pharmacy or chemist in Perth, WA | Access Health WA Mental health support and services in Perth, WA 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) | Free 24/7 call Winter WAtch Emergency Urgent care clinic Virtual ED Immunisation GP / Doctor Pharmacy 1800MEDICARE Last year WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in our hospitals treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages. That’s why ahead of this year’s winter flu season we’re asking more Western Australians to ‘Be Wise, Immunise’. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones. To protect our community and each other, we’ve set targets to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated.  We are stronger together so be wise and immunise to help Western Australia beat the flu this winter.  Now is the time to get vaccinated to be protected during peak flu season. Did you know? Flu vaccines are safe and effective Anyone aged 2 and above can get vaccinated against influenza at a pharmacy A needle-free option is now available to kids and teens aged 2-17 years. Winter WAtch Last year WA experienced one of the worst flu seasons on record, resulting in our hospitals treating thousands of seriously ill patients of all ages. Winter WAtch update Winter illnesses Winter brings a higher risk of respiratory illnesses, especially influenza and RSV. The best way to reduce your risk of getting sick and prevent severe illness is to get the seasonal flu vaccine and RSV vaccine if eligible. The flu vaccine is available for free from 1 May to 31 July for people aged 6 months and over. After 31 July, it remains free for people aged 65 years and over, who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.  Eligible pregnant women, infants, young children and older adults can be immunised for free against RSV. Getting vaccinated at any time during the influenza season can help prevent flu infections. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection (antibodies) against the influenza virus. Influenza spreads through tiny particles released into the air when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. A person can catch the influenza virus by being close to someone who is sick or by sharing the same closed space. It can also be spread by hands contaminated by the virus. Influenza Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FluMist influenza nasal spray vaccination This year, a needle-free nasal spray (FluMist) is available for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years.  Immunisation in WA Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community from serious infectious diseases. In WA, immunisations are available through GPs, local immunisation clinics, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.  Staying up to date with vaccines helps your immune system recognise and be prepared to fight germs before you are potentially exposed to them, reducing the risk of developing severe illness, hospitalisation, and long-term complications. Why immunisation matters Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. Vaccines are critical to the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. Protects against serious diseases such as influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, meningococcal disease, whooping cough (pertussis), shingles, human papillomavirus (HPV), pneumococcal disease, hepatitis and more. Protects vulnerable people who cannot receive some vaccines, including infants and people with weakened immune systems. If you encounter the disease in the future your immune system recognises it and responds to prevent severe illness. Every vaccine is carefully tested at each step to ensure it is safe and effective before it is approved for use. Who should get the flu vaccine? Annual influenza vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people 6 months and over. From April to September, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides annual influenza vaccination cost-free to at-risk groups, including children under 5, people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with underlying health conditions. In May, June and July, everyone aged 6 months and older in WA can receive a free flu vaccine. You can book an appointment at a participating GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, community immunisation clinic or for people aged 2 years and over, at a community pharmacy. Please note: individual providers may charge a consultation or service fee. Make sure you check costs when booking your appointment. Who should have the RSV vaccine? RSV immunisation is recommended for people at higher risk, including: pregnant women, to help protect their baby against RSV from birth infants and young children, particularly in their first winter older adults, especially those aged 60 years and older, or Aboriginal people aged 50 years and over older adults aged 50 years and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness Your eligibility and timing for RSV immunisation may vary depending on your age, health status and stage of pregnancy. When should you get immunised? Immunisation is recommended at specific stages throughout life. These schedules are based on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and additional WA‑funded vaccines, and evidence-based information on vaccine safety and efficacy. Childhood immunisation Children receive vaccines from birth to 4 years to protect them from diseases such as whooping cough, measles, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, and hepatitis. Childhood vaccines are free for eligible families, and up‑to‑date immunisation is required for childcare and early education enrolment in WA. Adolescent immunisation Adolescent immunisation is mainly delivered through school programs (Year 7 and Year 10), protecting against HPV, diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis (dTpa), and meningococcal ACWY. Catch‑up vaccines are available up to age 20 (or 26 years for HPV). Adult immunisation Adults may need vaccines depending on age, health conditions, pregnancy, occupation, or travel. Some vaccines are free under the NIP or WA-funded programs. Catch up vaccinations If you or your child have missed recommended vaccines, free catch-up options are available for many age groups. Refugees and humanitarian entrants are eligible for free catch-up vaccines at any age. What to expect when getting immunised? Getting vaccinated is usually quick and straightforward: Before your appointment Bring your Medicare card (if you have one). Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm (and upper legs if vaccinating an infant). During your appointment A trained health professional will ask a few questions about your health. You’ll receive the vaccine, usually in your upper arm or thigh (for infants). Most vaccinations take only a few seconds. After your appointment You may be asked to wait 10-15 minutes for observation. Mild side effects like a sore arm, tiredness, or low fever are common and usually pass quickly. Your vaccination will be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can access your record through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. Learn more about how vaccines are tested, monitored, and proven safe to protect you and your community. Find your closest immunisation provider Tips to stay healthy in winter Stay well to keep doing the things you love this winter. Get your annual influenza vaccination. Keep up with healthy hygiene habits. Eat nutritious foods. Drink plenty of water Keep yourself active Stay warm and consider others. Staying up to date with your vaccinations Keeping your immunisations up to date ensures the best protection. You can check your records through: myGov AIR enquiries line: 1800 653 809   Find a healthcare service near you Acknowledgement of Country The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present. WA Health Department of Health 189 Royal Street East Perth 6004 Footer menu wa.gov.au Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Brought to you by the Department of Health, Western Australia © Government of Western Australia 2018 to