$2.6 million program targets RSV in aged care; $140 million Winter Strategy aims to boost hospital capacity.
The Western Australian government has announced a series of measures to address winter health pressures, including a $2.6 million program providing free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations for residents of aged care facilities and a broader $140 million "winter strategy" to increase hospital capacity and immunisation rates.
RSV Vaccination Program Expansion
Western Australia has initiated a program to provide free RSV vaccinations for older adults residing in residential aged care facilities, following a previous rollout of free RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies.
Eligibility and Scope
"Private RSV vaccines can cost up to $300."
The state-funded program initially covers all residents of residential aged care facilities. Following a federal government announcement to provide free RSV immunizations for people aged 75 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over (effective May 15, 2026), the state government will extend eligibility to additional groups. The expanded state-funded program will cover:
- All residents of residential aged care facilities (aged 50–74)
- Commonwealth Support at Home recipients (aged 50–74)
- People experiencing homelessness (aged 60–74)
- Residents of specialist disability accommodation (aged 60–74)
- People in corrective services facilities (aged 60–74)
- Residents of residential mental health services (aged 60–74)
- Medically at-risk people within the above cohorts (aged 50–59)
The $2.6 million program is projected to vaccinate 15,000 aged care residents in 2025.
Disease Context
RSV is a contagious respiratory illness. In 2025, Western Australia recorded over 12,000 RSV cases, with approximately one-third affecting individuals aged over 65. People aged 65 and older accounted for 21% of cases and over 700 hospitalizations.
Government Statements
Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton stated that RSV can lead to serious illness, particularly for older individuals with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems. She indicated the program is part of a broader winter strategy to alleviate pressure on emergency departments. Minister Winton also reported that the earlier rollout of RSV vaccines for infants resulted in 500 fewer hospital presentations.
"Western Australia has been 'leading the nation' in providing access to RSV vaccinations." — Health Minister Meredith Hammat
Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk stated that the expanded program aims to ensure that people who may have faced cost or access barriers can receive the RSV vaccine.
Stakeholder Responses
Russell Bricknell, Chief Executive of Juniper aged care provider, reported an increase in respiratory outbreaks within aged care settings. He stated that access to the free RSV vaccine would impact the wellbeing of elderly residents and provide cost savings for facilities. Juniper facilities are scheduled to commence their annual vaccination program for aged care residents in March.
Dr. Ramya Raman, Chair of the Royal Australian College of GPs, supported the announcement, stating that RSV can be life-threatening for older adults. Dr. Raman added that the initiative is expected to protect individuals and reduce strain on emergency departments during peak periods.
$140 Million Winter Health Strategy
The state government has also launched a $140 million "winter strategy" to enhance the health system, focusing on increasing hospital bed capacity and boosting immunisation rates.
Funding Allocation
The $140 million funding is in addition to existing hospital allocations. Key components include:
- Hospital Beds ($61 million): To increase bed capacity by contracting private beds during periods of high demand and integrating approximately 200 beds from St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, which the government is in the process of purchasing.
- Elderly Patient Care ($44.5 million): $24.5 million committed to the national "Time To Think" program to reduce hospital stays for older patients who cannot access appropriate post-discharge care. $20 million will fund a pilot service providing 24/7 monitoring for elderly patients outside of hospital settings.
- Immunisation Boost ($14 million): To improve vaccine uptake statewide, including targeted programs for vulnerable groups and the provision of flu mist vaccine for children aged two to 11.
Context and Challenges
The 2025 winter season recorded over 30,000 influenza cases. The health system experienced ambulance ramping incidents and elective surgery delays. In January of the current year, over 4,000 hours of ambulance ramping were reported outside metropolitan hospitals.
Premier Roger Cook stated the strategy aims to strengthen the health system's resilience against illnesses such as RSV and influenza, which impact hospital bed availability.
Stakeholder Responses
Katrina Carnicelli recounted her mother's two-day stay in an overflow ward at Royal Perth Hospital due to a lack of neurology beds. Health Minister Meredith Hammat indicated she would investigate the circumstances.
Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam described the situation as "completely unacceptable" and suggested the government was attempting to address past underinvestment.
"The strategy is welcome, but further work is necessary, particularly regarding patient discharge pathways to aged care." — Australian Medical Association WA president Kyle Hoath