WA Government Funds Free RSV Vaccine for Aged Care Residents – Bevan Eatts MLA Welcomes Decision

Western Australia is expanding access to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, now offering it free of charge to older adults residing in residential aged care facilities. The initiative, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to protect a vulnerable population during the winter months and ease pressure on the state’s healthcare system.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in older adults, it can lead to severe illness, including pneumonia and exacerbation of existing heart or lung conditions. According to the Western Australian government, more than 12,000 cases of RSV were recorded in the state in 2025, with approximately one-third occurring in individuals over the age of 65.

The rollout builds on existing programs providing free RSV vaccinations to mothers and infants. The Arexvy RSV vaccine, typically costing around $300 privately, will now be available at no cost to an estimated 15,000 aged care residents. The program is funded by a $2.6 million investment from the state government.

Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “RSV is highly contagious… it can cause serious illness for older people, especially those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.” She added that the program is part of a broader winter strategy to prevent illness and reduce strain on emergency departments.

The decision to fund the RSV vaccine for aged care residents follows sustained advocacy from the opposition. Shadow Minister for Aged Care Bevan Eatts MLA welcomed the announcement, noting that his office had been calling for this measure for months. “This is a win for common sense — and for the many families and healthcare workers who have raised this issue with me,” Eatts said. He highlighted that a single dose of the vaccine can potentially prevent costly hospitalizations, which average $2,370 per day.

Eatts also pointed to a September 2025 public call for free RSV vaccinations for those over 65 and aged-care residents, and reiterated the urgency earlier this month amid a 30 percent surge in older Australians requiring hospital beds. He stressed that protecting seniors from RSV isn’t a political issue, but a practical step toward preventing avoidable hospital admissions and freeing up resources.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has also expressed its support for the initiative. The program’s implementation is expected in the coming months to prepare for the winter season.

Russell Bricknell, chief executive of Juniper aged care provider, underscored the potential benefits for residents and the healthcare system. “Having access to the free RSV vaccine means You can have an impact on the wellbeing and quality of life for the elderly who live in [aged care] facilities,” Bricknell stated. He estimated that the program could save aged care providers hundreds of thousands of dollars, given the high cost of the vaccine.

Respiratory outbreaks are becoming increasingly common in aged care settings, making preventative measures like vaccination crucial. The availability of a free RSV vaccine represents a significant addition to the tools available to protect vulnerable seniors during the winter months. While the announcement is a positive step, Eatts cautioned that effective rollout and access to the vaccine are paramount. “Announcing funding is one thing. Making sure older Western Australians in residential aged care can actually access the vaccine is what matters,” he said.

This initiative follows a similar rollout of free RSV vaccinations for infants, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of protecting both the very young and the elderly from this potentially serious virus. The WA state government also announced a significant investment in FluMist nasal spray vaccines for children aged two to 12, further bolstering preventative care efforts for the upcoming winter season.