VACCINATIONS AT THE WOODS
Flu Vaccinations
Book your appointment today by calling the clinic on (08) 9245 1912.
2026 Season Update
Western Australia Flu Vaccinations Guide
This year’s program transitions to a trivalent vaccine targeting the three most active strains, and introduces FluMist nasal spray as a free option for children aged 2–11. All WA residents can access a free flu vaccine through the federal government’s free vaccination program and the WA State Government’s seasonal initiative.
Note: The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that individuals who received a 2025 influenza vaccine in early 2026 should still receive the updated 2026 trivalent vaccine once available. This recommendation, which marks a transition from quadrivalent to trivalent vaccines to address current strains, is detailed in the ATAGI Statement on the Administration of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in 2026. Review the full statement at Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
The WA ‘Free for Everyone’ program concludes on 30th June (excluding high-risk groups). However, free vaccinations for children aged 2 to 11 years will remain available through to the 31st July 2026.
Adults
(12+ years)
Available
• May 1st to June 30th 2026 under the WA Free Program (12-64yrs) – Flu Clinics begin
FREE for these groups (all year) . . .
• Adults 65yrs+ Flu clinics begin 8th April 2026
• Pregnant women (any stage)
• Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders
• People with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe flu.
Even if you received a 2025 strain vaccine in early 2026, we recommend the updated 2026 trivalent vaccine for protection againt the latest strains.
Children & Teens
(6 months – 17yrs)
Available April to 31st July 2026
Vaccine options by age . . .
6 months to 1 year
• Needle injection only – Free
Ages 2 – 11yrs
• Choice of needle injection or FluMist nasal spray — both free
Ages 12 – 17yrs
• Needle injection — free
• FluMist nasal spray — available at private cost (via script)
Children aged 12-17 yrs will require an appointment with a GP, who will issue a script to the patient to buy from the chemist.
About FluMist
FluMist is a needle-free flu vaccine delivered as a small spray into each nostril. It takes just a few seconds and is a good option for children who are anxious about needles.
Who it’s for
Children aged 2–11 (free)
Ages 12–17 (available at private cost via script)
If your teenager (aged 12–17) would like FluMist, please book a GP appointment with us first — our doctors will provide a script at that visit.
NB: You will need to purchase FluMist at chemist and bring back to us to administer.
About the trivalent vaccine
Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to match the strains most likely to circulate that winter. This year’s vaccine is trivalent — meaning it protects against three strains at once: two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain.
Why three strains?
The flu virus changes constantly. Each year, the World Health Organisation monitors global flu activity and recommends which strains should be included in that season’s vaccine. A trivalent vaccine covers the three strains considered most likely to dominate — giving you the broadest practical protection in a single dose.
Why get it even if you were vaccinated last year?
Last year’s vaccine was formulated for last year’s strains. The 2026 trivalent vaccine has been specifically updated for the strains expected this winter. Your immunity from a previous vaccine may offer little protection against the new strains.
For more information visit:
https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu
FREE flu vaccines for WA
By receiving the free flu vaccine, all West Australians can optimise their protection during the peak transmission period (June to September) in Western Australia.
Do I qualify for the free vaccine?
All Western Australians aged six months and older are eligible for a free bulk billed influenza vaccine.
This includes interstate or international visitors who do not have a Medicare card, however a consultation fee of $20.05 will apply.
It remains FREE for:
- Pregnant women
(at any stage of pregnancy). - People aged 65 years and older.
- Children aged from six months to under five years.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over.
- People aged six months and over who have certain medical conditions
that increase their risk of severe influenza and its complications.
These conditions include (but are not limited to):
- Cardiac disease (e.g., congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure)
- Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD)
- Immunocompromising conditions (e.g., HIV, malignancy, organ transplant)
- Haematological disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease)
- Chronic metabolic disorders (e.g., Type 1 or 2 diabetes)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic neurological conditions (e.g., seizure disorders, neuromuscular disorders)
- Children aged 6 months to 10 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy (due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome)
- Vulnerable persons aged six months and older, including those experiencing housing instability or residents in congregate living settings (e.g., residential aged care, disability care, mental health hostels, youth group houses).
Influenza
As of mid-March 2026, influenza activity in Western Australia is low, with 76 cases reported in the week ending 15 March, showing a decrease in activity. This follows a record-breaking 2025, which saw over 30,000 cases—nearly double the 2024 figures—making it the state’s worst and longest flu season since 2001.
- See: Department of Health – Flu
- 2025 stats courtesy Australian Broadcasting Corporation
What is the flu?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection that can affect everyone. While some people experience mild symptoms, others may become seriously ill, leading to hospitalisation and even death.
Influenza spreads easily and can lead to life-threatening complications, making it crucial to protect your family through vaccination.
Why should I get vaccinated?
Vaccination is the safest way to protect oneself and others from influenza, and vaccines are updated every year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.
Fight the flu by getting vaccinated.
Flu vaccination (primer)
Vaccination is the best way to protect oneself and others from influenza. The influenza vaccine has been around for many decades and has a great safety record. The vaccine is updated every year to protect against the most common strains of the virus, and it is important to get vaccinated each year.
The vaccine is quadrivalent (four strains, two influenza A and two influenza B) and latex-free.
While some people may experience mild side effects, such as pain or redness at the injection site, the vaccine cannot cause influenza.
