West Australians urged to book free flu vaccination as state lags behind rest of country CBy Cason HoTopic:Influenza1h ago1 hours agoFri 9 May 2025 at 5:10amSeven-month-old Claire with parents Catherine Jepp and Matthew Rodgers, receiving her first flu vaccination. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )In short: WA has the lowest percentage of people under the age of 65 to have received the flu vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy has been blamed in part, following a 'tumultuous' COVID-19 period. What's next? West Australians have until the end of June to book in for a free flu vaccination. abc.net.au/news/wa-lags-behind-the-rest-of-the-country-in-flu-jab-uptake/105274464Link copiedShareShare articleHealth authorities are urging West Australians to vaccinate against influenza and RSV, as the state lags behind the rest of the country in flu jab uptake.WA has the lowest percentage of people under the age of 65 who have received the flu vaccination, according to data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.The percentage of people who have received the flu vaccine in WA was in the single digits for all age groups under 65. Just 1.8 per cent of children aged five to 15 were vaccinated against the flu as of May 4.Perth Children's Hospital paediatrician Professor Chris Blyth said it's crucial West Australians are vaccinated ahead of the flu season.WA lags behind the rest of the country in flu jab uptake. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )"Flu, unfortunately, is one of those pathogens that is the common cause of vaccine preventable deaths," he said."A real shout out to parents and young families out there: now is the time to act."Paediatric Infectious Diseases Physician Chris Blyth is urging people to book in for a free flu shot. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )Vaccine hesitancyProfessor Blyth said vaccine uptake was worse than usual."We are lagging behind as a country — we're not doing as well as we usually do in influenza vaccine uptake," he said."People are not worried about flu, and they need to be. Flu is a serious illness … it causes large numbers of hospitalisations every year in children and in adults."Professor Blyth said one of the main contributing factors for the low uptake is "vaccine hesitancy". Record high Influenza cases confirmed as experts predict early flu seasonPhoto shows Woman in bed with a cold blowing her nose.A record number of influenza cases has been recorded in Australia, jumping 50 per cent from the same period last year. Experts are predicting flu season to come earlier than usual."We've come through a really tumultuous time through COVID," he said.The paediatrician also urged young families to ensure they're up to date with other vaccinations, including for whooping cough and RSV."We know that both RSV, which is a common virus, and influenza, lead to a number of children being hospitalised each year," he said."RSV is the most common cause of hospitalisation for children in the first year of life."West Australians can receive a free flu jab until the end of June. (ABC News: Grace Burmas )The WA Government is running a free influenza vaccine program until the end of June for anyone older than six months."There's no reason why people can't access an influenza vaccine," Professor Blyth said.LoadingPosted 1h ago1 hours agoFri 9 May 2025 at 5:10amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals leader faces Canavan challenge as Taylor confirms he'll contest Liberal leadershipLIVEPhoto shows Matt Canavan, in side profile, grimaces slightly during a press conferenceAustralia's political conclave theatrics feel blokey, but the future is femaleAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Sussan LeyErin Patterson was building Lego hours after serving deadly meal, court hearsTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.China criticises Australia over joint exercises in South China SeaTopic:Defence and National SecurityPhoto shows A Philippine Navy AW159 helicopter with the the HMAS Sydney in the background. Slain NT grocer funeral guest hit by brick allegedly thrown at carTopic:CrimePhoto shows An older man stands in front of rows of wine in a store.Related storiesThe best time to get a flu shot for expected 'severe' season Topic:InfluenzaPhoto shows Generic flu, influenza, cold, sniffle shot.Record high Influenza cases confirmed as experts predict early flu seasonTopic:InfluenzaPhoto shows Woman in bed with a cold blowing her nose.West Australians given an extra month to get their free flu jab after concerns raised by doctorsTopic:Health PolicyPhoto shows A young girl in pink dress holds her arm with a band-aid after receiving a flu shot.Related topicsHealthInfluenzaPerthVaccines and ImmunityTop StoriesNationals leader faces Canavan challenge as Taylor confirms he'll contest Liberal leadershipTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Matt Canavan, in side profile, grimaces slightly during a press conferenceAustralia's political conclave theatrics feel blokey, but the future is femaleAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbErin Patterson was building Lego hours after serving deadly meal, court hearsTopic:CourtsChina criticises Australia over joint exercises in South China SeaTopic:Defence and National SecuritySlain NT grocer funeral guest hit by brick allegedly thrown at carTopic:CrimeJust InTherapy dogs reducing pain and anxiety for intensive care patientsTopic:Animals8m ago8 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 6:23am'Historic' deal embeds Indigenous decision-making in local council Topic:Indigenous Policy10m ago10 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 6:22amFomer employee of notorious Tasmanian children's prison charged over alleged abuseTopic:Child Sexual Abuse10m ago10 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 6:22amThe Muslim Vote may have lost, but election bump is 'just the beginning'Topic:Australian Federal Elections6m ago6 minutes agoFri 9 May 2025 at 6:25amMore Just InBack to top