Western Australia misses its flu-vaccination goals as free program ends

Western Australia set ambitious flu-vaccination targets ahead of the season, seeking 30% coverage for children under 12, 65% for those over 65 and a 40% overall rate. The deadline coincided with the end of an extended free-vaccination scheme, after which the latest figures revealed the state remained well below each goal. Seniors came closest, missing the 65% mark by just over 6%, while children were 6.5% short of their target.

The general population achieved only 28% coverage, far from the 40% benchmark. Health experts noted the inherent challenges of boosting uptake, though they praised the government's $100 million program that introduced free shots, needle-free options, pop-up clinics and pharmacy access. A WA government spokesperson reported over 860,000 flu vaccinations administered and lower flu-related hospitalisations compared with the five-year average, but warned that RSV cases were rising. Opposition health spokesperson Libby Mettam said the shortfall was expected and attributed lower hospital pressure to a milder flu season rather than policy success.