PSA welcomes WA influenza programs
24 February 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the West Australian State Government’s announcement today of a 2026 Winter Strategy regarding influenza vaccination programs.
The Western Australia Department of Health confirmed two programs to support community protection this winter, including a free influenza vaccine program and an influenza nasal spray vaccination program.
Free influenza vaccines will be available to West Australians aged 12 to 64, who are not otherwise eligible under the National Immunisation Program.
Children aged two to 11 will be offered the intranasal live-attenuated influenza vaccine, Flumist.
The adult program will run from May 1 to June 30 and the children’s program will run from mid-April to July 31.
Backed by an additional $140 million investment, the Winter Strategy 2026 is designed to boost health system resilience and support the community in accessing safe and appropriate care during high demand months.
PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said Western Australia recorded its worst influenza season last year, recording more than 30,000 cases.
“Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring the community is protected through flu season and we welcome the government’s Winter Strategy for 2026,” Ray said.
“The expansion of access allowing pharmacists to immunise children from the age of two provides more West Australians with the opportunity to be vaccinated against influenza.
“With winter marking peak flu season, free vaccination opportunities support stronger community protection and encourage the uptake of influenza vaccinations.
“The inclusion of Flumist in the Winter Strategy affords parents and children more choice with this needle-free vaccination.”
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.
