West Australians can get a free flu vaccine until the end of July with the State Government extending the program for another month.
The extension comes as the State prepares for an expected increase in flu cases with the peak usually happening around August.
Vaccination rates remain low with around 24 per cent of West Australians getting the jab, as of June 14 — the exact same coverage rate for the same period in 2025.
Jab rates remain similar to last year for those between 12 to 65 while coverage has increased for younger children.
More than 20 per cent of children between six months and five years and 16 per cent of five to 12 year olds have been vaccinated.
The increase has been accredited to the intranasal flu spray, which has been made available for free for kids between two and 12.
However, jab rates have slightly dropped for West Australians over 65 with 53.5 per cent of seniors vaccinated so far.
Preventative health minister Sabine Winton said it was a good time to get vaccinated before the peak flu season.
“Extending the Free Influenza Vaccine Program gives Western Australians more time to access protection against influenza before the peak winter period,” she said.
“Vaccination is one of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to protect yourself and others this winter.”
Australia’s chief medical officer Michael Kidd AO said improving vaccine rates was important to protect those most at risk of severe illness.
“Although we can’t predict the 2026 flu season, we can look at, and learn from, key outcomes from the 2025 season,” he said.”
“Low vaccination rates mean those at highest risk of severe influenza are also the least protected.
“Improving influenza vaccination coverage in 2026 is important to reduce preventable illness, hospitalisation and deaths this flu season.”
Last year, WA had its worst flu season on record with more than 36,000 cases.
There have been close to 2500 flu cases recorded in the State so far this year.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails