Free flu vaccines to be available at Optus Stadium AFL games in May

A free flu vaccination pop-up clinic will be available for footy fans at this weekend’s AFL game at Optus stadium as the Cook Government chases increase immunisations ahead of the winter hospital surge.

St John WA will be administering the jabs across three AFL games in May, including for Eagles vs Richmond on May 2, Fremantle vs Hawks on May 7 and Eagles vs GWS on May 17.

The Cook Government is hoping the games, which consistently bring in over 30,000 fans through the gate every game, will lead to an uptick in vaccines.

Patrons will be able to access the service for free both before and during the game, only requiring their medicare card and photo ID.

The newly rolled out FluMist needle-free vaccine will also be available for children aged two to 11 at the clinic.

Footy fans were also assured they will still be able to still grab a beer for the game after the vaccine.

Premier Roger Cook — who got the jab at the pop-up clinic on Thursday morning along with his Health Minister Meredith Hammat and Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton — said he wanted to see all footy fans come together to drive up vaccination rates.

“I urge footy fans, if you’re coming to a game on the second, seventh, 17th of May, take advantage of just popping into the into the tent, get your free flu vax,” he said.

“Whether it’s the needle or the flu mist for younger footy fans, it’s a great way to continue to make sure that we drive up immunisation rates right across the state.

“Whether you’re a West Coast Eagles fan or Fremantle Dockers fans, let’s everyone get on Team WA and we want to beat the other States in terms of our vaccination rates.”

It’s part of the launch of the Cook Government’s $2.7 million “Be Wise, Immunise” campaign and the roll out of free flu vaccines, available for all from May 1 to the end of June.

The Premier revealed the Government would be working to public vaccination targets for this winter season, hoping to get 40 per cent of all eligible West Australians vaccinated.

The target is broken down into a 30 per cent target for children under 12, and 65 per cent for adults aged 65 and over.

Last year, only 29 per cent of West Australians got the jab, and less than 19 per cent of children under 12 were vaccinated.

Ms Winton acknowledged the targets would take a big push, but said she was convinced she had the support of the community.

“Tomorrow starts the free flu jab for Western Australia that will run over May and June, so we’re ambitious with our targets,” she said.

“We know Western Australians are up for it, we’re doing everything we can to support people in getting the vaccination.

“Whether it’s needle hesitancy for our youngest people, whether it’s convenience, whether it’s here at the footy or other pop up arrangements throughout the State, whether it’s making it more accessible at community pharmacies.

“It has never been more easy and free to get vaccinated.”