For the first time, from mid-May the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be available for free to older Western Australians aged 65 and over in residential aged care homes.
RSV is a highly infectious respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages, but can cause serious illness in older people.
WA reported 12,804 RSV cases in 2025, with a significant proportion occurring in people over 65 – many requiring hospital admission.
With the vaccination costing around $300 privately, aged care residents will now receive the vaccination for free and is expected to protect around 15,000 people.
In adults, the risk of severe RSV disease increases with age. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of RSV infections and the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The expansion follows the success of WA’s infant and maternal RSV immunisation program, and will directly continue to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians in the community – particularly those most at risk, during the winter period.
The RSV vaccination program for older adults is another example of how the WA Government is investing in prevention, strengthening aged care services, and easing pressure on the health system.
To find out more, visit the RSV immunisation program page.