Who is eligible for WA’s free RSV vaccination program?

About 15,000 aged-care residents in Western Australia are eligible. The focus is on people living in residential aged-care facilities, given higher risks of severe disease and fast spread in communal settings. Check with your provider for clinic dates, consent steps, and whether co-administration with the annual flu shot is planned on-site.

How much does the policy save each resident?

The WA free RSV vaccine removes a typical A$300 out-of-pocket cost per dose for eligible aged-care residents. Beyond the direct saving, residents and families also avoid travel costs and appointment delays because clinics are planned within facilities, which supports faster uptake before winter demand peaks.

What is the expected impact on aged-care operators?

Operators may see fewer RSV outbreaks and hospital transfers, which can lower spend on agency staff, overtime, and infection control surges. The program supports steadier rosters and occupancy during winter. Investors should watch incident reports, staffing volatility, and any reported savings in unplanned costs during June to August.

What should investors monitor next?

Track vaccination coverage rates in facilities, RSV positivity trends, and weekly hospitalisation data through winter. Watch for procurement updates, delivery schedules, and any expansion beyond the initial A$2.6 million. If uptake is strong, we expect fewer respiratory escalations, shorter ED waits, and more predictable costs for aged-care providers.

Law and Government

Australia RSV Policy February 20: WA funds free shots in aged care

ByDanny Kontos February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Western Australia’s WA free RSV vaccine program will spend A$2.6 million to vaccinate about 15,000 aged-care residents, removing a typical A$300 out-of-pocket cost per dose. The policy follows a record 2025 season and targets winter 2026 pressure on hospitals. For investors, this signals higher vaccine procurement volumes, steadier aged-care operations, and a clearer shift toward preventative health spending. We explain how the rollout works, the operational and budget impacts, and the data points to watch next.