Flu vaccine Western Australia: Free for eligible residents
Flu vaccine Western Australia: Free for eligible
residents
Flu vaccine Western Australia: Free for eligible residents
Getting your flu vaccine in Western Australia is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family during flu season.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that typically peaks between July and October in WA, slightly later than in other parts of Australia due to the state’s distinct climate patterns. For vulnerable groups, influenza can result in serious complications, making vaccination your most effective line of defence.
An annual flu shot helps protect you against the most common circulating influenza strains and reduces your risk of severe illness. In this guide, learn why flu vaccination matters, what the 2026 WA programs involve, and how to book your appointment at a Blooms The Chemist near you across Perth, Fremantle, Mandurah and beyond.
Western Australia’s 2026 winter strategy
The Western Australian Government has announced its 2026 Winter Strategy, backed by an additional $140 million investment to strengthen health system capacity during the high-demand winter period. As part of this plan, the WA Department of Health has introduced two influenza vaccination initiatives to help improve community protection ahead of the 2026 flu season.
Free adult flu vaccine program
Free influenza vaccines are available to West Australians aged 12 to 64 who are not otherwise eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
This program runs from 1 May to 30 June 2026 and is available through GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services and other authorised immunisation providers. Full details are available on the WA Department of Health influenza immunisation page.
Free children’s nasal spray program (FluMist)
For the 2026 season, Western Australia has also introduced a needle-free vaccination option for children. The FluMist nasal spray vaccine is available free of charge to children aged 2 to 11 years from mid-April to 31 July 2026, helping families protect young children ahead of and during the peak flu season.
The FluMist vaccine is administered as a gentle nasal spray rather than an injection and protects against influenza A and B. It has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and has been used internationally since 2003, with millions of children vaccinated across the Northern Hemisphere.
Key features of the 2026 program include:
• Free flu vaccines for adults aged 12–64 who are not covered by the National Immunisation Program, available 1 May to 30 June 2026
• Free FluMist nasal spray vaccine for children aged 2 to 11 years, available mid-April to 31 July 2026
• Vaccinations available through GP clinics, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services and community immunisation providers
• 130,000 free doses of FluMist funded through a $7.24 million WA Government investment
• WA pharmacists are authorised to administer influenza vaccines to children from age 2 years
Ask your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacist about the FluMist nasal spray vaccination option for children aged 2 to 11 years.
Why getting your flu vaccine matters
Every year, the flu vaccine plays a vital role in keeping our communities healthy. This preventative measure benefits everyone by reducing your likelihood of infection and preventing disruption to your daily life.
Vaccination is particularly critical for at-risk populations including seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The influenza virus spreads rapidly through communities via coughing, sneezing, conversation and contact with contaminated surfaces.
While influenza impacts all people, vulnerable populations face heightened risks of severe outcomes including hospitalisation and, in serious cases, death.
When you receive your flu shot, you’re not only protecting your own health but also helping to shield vulnerable community members from exposure.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. It is especially important for those at elevated risk of serious complications from influenza, including infants and toddlers, older adults, pregnant women, and people living with certain medical conditions.
Children under 9 years old who are receiving their very first influenza vaccination will need two doses, administered at least one month apart.
Some workers, particularly those in residential aged care and healthcare settings, may have mandatory vaccination requirements as part of their employment, to protect the vulnerable patients and residents in their care.
Most people with allergies can safely receive the flu vaccine, including those with egg allergies or a history of egg-related anaphylaxis. If you have concerns about allergies, speak with your GP or pharmacist beforehand. Anyone who has previously experienced anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine should not receive further influenza vaccinations.
Free flu vaccine eligibility in Western Australia
Eligibility for free flu vaccination in WA in 2026 comes from two sources: the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and the state-funded WA Winter Strategy programs.
Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine:
• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged 6 months and over
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that put them at serious risk, including:
- Cardiac disease
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Immunocompromising conditions
- Haematological disorders
- Chronic metabolic disorder
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic neurological condition
- Long term aspirin therapy in children aged 6 months to 10 years
Under WA’s existing state-funded program, the following additional groups are also eligible:
• Primary school-aged children (pre-primary to Year 6)
• Vulnerable persons aged 6 months and older, including those experiencing housing
• Instability and residents of congregate living settings (such as residential aged care, disability care, mental health hostels, and youth group houses)
• WA Health staff members
Under the new 2026 WA Winter Strategy:
• West Australians aged 12 to 64 who are not already eligible under the NIP: free flu vaccine from 1 May to 30 June 2026
• Children aged 2 to under 12: free FluMist nasal spray vaccine from mid-April to 31 July 2026
For full details on eligibility, visit the WA Department of Health influenza immunisation page or speak with your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacist.
Where to get your flu vaccine in Western Australia
Flu vaccinations across WA are available through general practices, community pharmacies like Blooms The Chemist, Aboriginal Medical Services, community health clinics, and other immunisation providers.
Under the 2026 Winter Strategy, pharmacists are now authorised to immunise children from the age of 2, expanding access across the state.
Blooms The Chemist has pharmacy locations across Western Australia, including throughout the Perth metropolitan area, in Fremantle, Mandurah, Bunbury, and other regional centres statewide. Our trained pharmacists are able to administer flu vaccines to eligible patients across the WA programs.
Best time to get your flu shot in WA
Western Australia’s flu season typically peaks from July to October, later than in the eastern states. With this in mind, the ideal time to get vaccinated is from April onwards, giving your immune system time to build protection before peak season arrives.
The influenza vaccine provides maximum protection during the first 3-4 months following vaccination. Even if you miss the early window, it is never too late to get vaccinated, as influenza can circulate throughout the entire year. The WA Department of Health recommends continuing to offer vaccination while influenza remains in circulation.
The 2026 WA adult free vaccine program runs from 1 May to 30 June, while the children’s FluMist program runs from mid-April to 31 July, providing families with a generous window to get protected ahead of winter.
If you’re planning international travel, aim to have your flu vaccination at least 2 weeks before your departure date to ensure full protection develops.
What to expect from your flu jab
Following your flu vaccination, you may notice some mild side effects. The good news is that most reactions are minor and typically resolve within a day or two. Common side effects include:
• Muscle aches
• Mild fever
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• A small lump at the injection site
If you experience these minor reactions, rest for a day or two and avoid strenuous physical activity. A cold compress applied to the injection site and over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease any discomfort. If you notice mild cold or flu-like symptoms afterwards, appropriate cold and flu medicine may also help manage symptoms while you recover.
Book your flu vaccine with Blooms The Chemist
Ready to protect yourself and your family this winter? Book your flu vaccination at your nearest Blooms The Chemist pharmacy today.
Simply enter your postcode or suburb along with the vaccine type you need, and we’ll show you available appointments at your closest location, including Blooms The Chemist Dianella, Blooms The Chemist Bull Creek, Blooms The Chemist Darch, Blooms The Chemist Belmont Citi, Blooms The Chemist Applecross Medical, Blooms The Chemist Baldivis, Blooms The Chemist Baldivis Stockland, Blooms The Chemist Port Coogee, or Blooms The Chemist Geraldton Fountains.
FAQs about Western Australia’s free flu vaccination programs
If you are a WA resident aged 12 to 64 and not already eligible under the National Immunisation Program, you can receive a free flu vaccine under the state’s 2026 Winter Strategy from 1 May to 30 June 2026. Children aged 2 to under 12 are eligible for a free FluMist nasal spray vaccine from mid-April to 31 July 2026. Those already covered by the NIP, such as children under 5, adults 65 and over, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions, can access their free vaccine through that program year-round.
Western Australia’s peak influenza season typically runs from July to October, compared to June to September in most eastern states. This is due to WA’s distinct climate and geographic position. It means WA residents can aim for a slightly later vaccination window, though getting vaccinated from April onwards remains ideal to allow time for full immune protection to develop before peak season.
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free flu vaccines to specific at-risk groups across Australia, funded by the federal government. The WA state program extends free access to additional groups not covered by the NIP, including adults aged 12 to 64 without other NIP eligibility, primary school-aged children, and those in congregate living settings. Together, these programs provide broad coverage across the WA community.
The 2026 WA free adult flu vaccine program (for those aged 12-64 not covered by the NIP) runs from 1 May to 30 June 2026. After this date, adults not eligible under the NIP can still access a paid flu vaccine. Those who are NIP-eligible can continue to receive a free vaccine throughout the year. Contact your local Blooms The Chemist for more information.
Workplace vaccination options may be available in WA. Speak to your employer about whether a workplace flu vaccination clinic is available, or contact your local Blooms The Chemist to enquire about vaccination services.
Bring proof of WA residency or Medicare card if applicable, as well as any relevant health information about medical conditions or allergies. If you’re eligible under the NIP, bring your Medicare card. For the state adult program (ages 12-64), be prepared to confirm your eligibility status. Your pharmacist can assist you in determining which program applies to you.
FluMist is available through GPs, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and pharmacies including Blooms The Chemist across WA. When booking, check whether your nearest location offers the nasal spray for children aged 2 to under 12.
We recommend booking in advance to confirm availability. Contact your nearest Blooms The Chemist or book online to secure your child’s appointment for the FluMist nasal spray.