PSA welcomes free RSV vaccination in residential aged care

19 February 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today welcomed a decision to provide $2.6 million for free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination to aged care residents in Western Australia.

 

The West Australian Government today announced the RSV vaccine, which costs around $300 privately, would be free for West Australians aged 65 or over and living in residential aged care.  The vaccinations will be delivered through primary care pathways with community pharmacies supported to administer vaccines in residential aged care ahead of winter.

 

PSA WA Branch President Kristian Ray MPS said pharmacists stood ready to work with aged care providers to vaccinate residents.

 

“This is a practical, prevention-first decision that removes cost and access barriers from some of our most vulnerable community members,” he said.

 

“Targeted vaccination programs lift coverage and help keep people well and out of hospital. Pharmacists across Western Australia are prepared to deliver RSV vaccines, working alongside GPs and aged care teams.”

 

Through the 2026 RSV program, the Department of Health has estimated 15,000 residents would be vaccinated this year. In 2025, WA reported 12,804 RSV cases.  Today’s announcement complements the State Government’s $4.78 million investment to secure 130,000 doses of the FluMist intranasal vaccine for children aged from two to under 12 years old.

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Media contact: Leah Jacobsen

M: 0480 099 798   E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.