Media Release | 23 September 2025
Bevan Eatts MLA
Shadow Minister for Aged Care
Shadow Minister for Aged Care and Member for Warren–Blackwood Bevan Eatts MLA has called on the Cook Labor Government to extend free RSV vaccinations to elderly West Australians, saying the simple step would protect seniors from preventable illness and free up much-needed hospital beds.
At around $300–350 for up to two years’ protection, the vaccine is a fraction of the $2,370 it costs to keep someone in a WA hospital bed for just one day.
Mr Eatts said while the Government has acted to protect infants and pregnant women from RSV, older West Australians are being forced to pay privately—creating unnecessary hospital admissions and pressure on the health system.
“Right now, our seniors are being left unprotected from a virus that we know puts them in hospital,” Mr Eatts said.
“If the Government is serious about reducing hospital strain and protecting our most vulnerable, it should extend free RSV vaccinations to aged-care residents and people over 65. It’s a simple, common-sense measure.”
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly infectious respiratory virus that can cause pneumonia and serious complications in older people. HealthyWA warns people aged 65 and older are at high risk, especially those in aged care.
The cost of inaction is significant. A single hospital bed in WA costs on average $2,370 per day, compared with about $350 per day for aged-care accommodation. Preventable RSV admissions mean longer hospital stays, higher taxpayer costs, and fewer beds for other patients.
Mr Eatts said it made no sense for the Government to spend millions on hospital treatment while refusing to fund vaccines that keep seniors out of hospital in the first place.
“Families across Warren–Blackwood and regional WA are already struggling to access aged-care and health services. The last thing they need is to see their loved ones land in hospital with something that could have been prevented,” Mr Eatts said.
“The vaccine exists. The evidence is clear. The Government has no excuse not to act.”
Mr Eatts has called for a practical set of measures, including:
• Conducting a cost–benefit assessment of reduced hospitalisations from vaccinating older West Australians
• Extending free RSV vaccinations to aged-care residents and high-risk individuals over 65
• Working with the Commonwealth to include older adults in the National Immunisation Program for RSV
• Running a public awareness campaign so families and aged-care providers know the vaccine is available
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting seniors, reducing hospital costs, and making sure our health system can cope,” Mr Eatts said.
“The Cook Labor Government has an opportunity to show leadership by protecting older West Australians. By acting at a State level and funding free RSV vaccines, we can keep seniors safe, ease pressure on our hospitals, and deliver real benefits for the community.”
ENDS
