WA moves to fund free RSV vaccines for aged care residents

Western Australia has become the first state to fund free RSV vaccinations for older people living in residential aged care, in a move welcomed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Under a new $2.6 million state-funded program, the Arexvy RSV vaccine, which typically costs around $300 privately, will be provided at no charge to Western Australians aged 65 and over residing in aged care facilities. The Department of Health estimates around 15,000 residents will be vaccinated this year.

The announcement positions WA ahead of other jurisdictions. While RSV immunisation programs have expanded nationally for infants and pregnant women, older adults are not currently covered under the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program. In most states and territories, older people must pay privately to access the vaccine.

Why RSV matters for aged care

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in older adults, particularly those with cardiac or respiratory disease or compromised immunity.

In 2025, Western Australia recorded 12,804 RSV cases, with approximately one third occurring in people aged over 65. Many required hospitalisation.

RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman described the initiative as a significant investment in preventive healthcare.

“This is a significant and much needed investment in preventive healthcare for older Western Australians,” she said.

“RSV can be life-threatening for older adults, particularly those in aged care. Providing this vaccine free of charge will prevent serious illness, reduce hospital admissions, and protect residents who are most at risk.”

Pressure on hospitals and the prevention argument

Dr Raman said the policy would also support system resilience during peak winter demand.

“Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent avoidable hospital presentations,” she said.

“This initiative will protect individuals while easing pressure on emergency departments and hospital wards when they are busiest.”

The WA program sits within a broader policy debate about preventive health investment in aged care, particularly as respiratory illness continues to drive hospital admissions among older Australians each winter.

For providers, the development raises a practical question: will other states follow, or will access to RSV protection for aged care residents remain dependent on postcode?

The RACGP has indicated it will work with the WA Government, aged care providers and primary care clinicians to support rollout across the state.