The State Government will offer free flu vaccines for all Western Australians during the month of May.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
Young children are also at risk of serious illness with around 1500 Australian children hospitalised each year with influenza; tragically some children die from this vaccine-preventable disease.
More than 50 per cent of young Australian children admitted to hospital with influenza are otherwise healthy. The best protection against influenza illness is vaccination.
While the influenza vaccine is not currently registered for babies under six months, babies are 25 per cent less likely to be hospitalised with influenza in the first few months of life if their mum receives the vaccine while pregnant.
"This May is a chance for all Western Australians to arm themselves against serious illness this winter and get vaccinated against the flu," Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.
"Do not underestimate the seriousness of influenza - it is highly contagious and can cause great harm.
"It is especially important that young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions protect themselves by getting vaccinated."
Free influenza vaccines are available year-round through the National Immunisation Program for people considered most at risk of severe illness including pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over, children from six months to under 12 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people six months or older.
For more information about the flu vaccination visit Staying healthy in winter (healthywa.wa.gov.au).
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