- Cook Labor Government investing a further $1 million to boost flu vaccination uptake during winter as part of priority to ensure Western Australians can access the healthcare they need
- Funding to support additional vaccination clinics and contact patients overdue for a flu vaccination
- Initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable Western Australians and easing pressure on hospitals during winter peak periods
The Cook Labor Government will boost expanded influenza vaccination activities ahead of the peak winter period through a $1 million investment to participating GP clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services across Western Australia.
The initiative will support primary care providers to deliver additional flu vaccination clinics and proactively contact patients who may be overdue for vaccination.
More than 500 GP practices and Aboriginal Medical Services have registered for the program, which includes a strong focus on reaching those most at risk of severe illness, including older adults, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions.
The $1 million investment follows the recent launch of the Cook Labor Government’s 2026 Free Influenza Vaccine Program and Be Wise, Immunise campaign, helping make flu vaccines more accessible to all Western Australians during May and June.
It also forms part of the Cook Labor Government’s broader winter preparedness measures to reduce the impact of seasonal illness, protect vulnerable Western Australians, and ease pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
“We know trusted local health care providers play an important role in improving vaccination uptake, particularly in regional and vulnerable communities.
“This funding from the Cook Labor Government will support GP clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services to identify and contact people who may be overdue for their vaccination, while also delivering additional vaccination clinics across the State.
“Combined with our free flu vaccination program and Be Wise, Immunise campaign, this initiative will help ensure more Western Australians are protected this winter.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“Winter places significant pressure on our hospitals and health workforce, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can reduce that impact.
“The Cook Labor Government’s expansion of vaccination initiatives is about protecting those most at risk – including young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
“I encourage all Western Australians to take advantage of the clinics available and play their part in keeping our community safe this winter.”
As stated by Royal Australian College of GPs Chair Ramya Raman:
“The RACGP welcomes the Western Australian Government’s practice grants to support flu clinics this winter. We have long advocated for targeted funding to support practices delivering flu vaccinations, and this investment will help ensure communities can access vaccinations during peak demand.
“General practice plays a central role in preventive health and vaccination delivery. Supporting practices to run flu clinics protects patients, eases pressure on hospitals, and strengthens Western Australia’s public health response.”
