Thousands of Western Australians vaccinated under free flu program

• More than 890,000 Western Australians vaccinated against influenza following the Cook Government's Free Jab May and June program
• Free vaccines were available at participating GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services and regional clinics
• The Cook Government also launched the "Stay Well" public awareness campaign to encourage Western Australians to keep up with influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations and take steps to keep well during winter
  

The Cook Government's Free Jab May and June has seen more than 890,000 Western Australians vaccinated against influenza, or the 'flu' this year.

The free flu jab program was extended for a second month throughout June, making the flu vaccination free for every Western Australian for two months.

Vaccination is the best defence for people to protect themselves from the highly contagious respiratory illness, influenza.

Influenza can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults, people with underlying medical conditions and young children.

As of 25 June 2023, 10,743 influenza cases had been reported to WA Health. Of these, 39 per cent were children younger than 12 years old.

So far, 445 children under nine have been hospitalised with influenza in WA this year compared with 97 children under nine for the same time period last year.

COVID-19 infections are also circulating in the community and Western Australians are encouraged to make sure they are also up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

These are available from participating GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services and regional community clinics.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given on the same day.

For more information about flu vaccination, search 'Staying healthy in winter' on www.healthywa.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"It is encouraging to see more than 890,000 Western Australians vaccinated this year and I thank the community for getting themselves protected against the flu.

"Influenza can cause very serious illness in vulnerable people, including children, older adults, people with certain underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.

"The number of influenza notifications and hospitalisations in WA are higher this year than the previous five-year average, and a concerning number of young children have been hospitalised with the flu.

"We know children are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, which is why doctors recommend vaccinations from six months of age.

"My message to the community this winter is if you are sick, please stay home from work or day care. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, cover coughs, and get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19."