WA Offers Free RSV Vaccines to 15,000 Aged Care Residents

Western Australia is giving older adults in aged care a powerful shield against one of winter's most dangerous viruses, and it won't cost them a cent.

Starting this March, more than 15,000 residents in aged care facilities across WA will receive free vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The highly contagious illness can be life-threatening for older adults, especially those with heart or lung conditions.

The timing couldn't be better. Last year saw WA's worst flu season on record, with more than 12,000 RSV cases alone. About a third of those cases hit people over 65, and ambulances spent more than 4,000 hours ramped outside metropolitan hospitals in January.

The vaccine typically costs up to $300 privately, putting it out of reach for many families. Now, the state's $2.6 million investment means vulnerable seniors get protection without the price tag.

Russell Bricknell, who leads Juniper aged care, says his organization alone cares for 1,500 residents. "That's quite a few hundred thousand dollars saved," he noted. "This is an exciting new piece to our armoury against the winter season."

The program builds on an existing initiative that already provides free RSV vaccines to mothers and babies. Since that rollout began, 500 fewer infants have shown up at emergency departments with respiratory illness.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond individual protection. Dr. Ramya Raman from the Royal Australian College of GPs says keeping aged care residents healthy means emergency departments and hospital wards can better serve everyone who needs care.

Respiratory outbreaks in aged care settings are becoming more common, making prevention crucial. When one resident gets sick in a facility, the virus can spread quickly through shared spaces and close quarters.

Preventative health minister Sabine Winton says the vaccine is part of a broader strategy to stop illness before it escalates. "RSV is highly contagious and can cause serious illness for older people," she explained.

The March rollout gives facilities time to vaccinate residents before winter arrives and virus season peaks.

By protecting those most vulnerable, WA is proving that preventative care is the smartest investment we can make in our health system and our seniors.