WA Premier Mark McGowan has urged Western Australians to be vaccinated against influenza as it emerged more than 500 people have been hospitalised in the state with the virus this year.
So far this year, 538 people have been hospitalised with the flu in Western Australia, including 182 children aged nine or under.
There were 91 children aged between six months and five years hospitalised with the virus.
The WA government had previously introduced free flu jabs during the month of May, but that has now been extended through June this year.
Mr McGowan said this year's strain of the virus was more potent than in previous seasons.
"It's more severe this year, more severe this year than last year and far more severe than the common cold," he told reporters.
"We've had 538 people hospitalised, a very high proportion of them are children.
"That's why we've extended the [free] flu jabs through June.
"You can get a free flu jab at a pharmacist or doctor through June.
"It'll help protect you against what is a particularly dangerous and virulent strain."
Mr McGowan blamed the increase in hospitalisations on the "powerful" new strain, and the fact that closed borders had kept the flu at bay during the pandemic.
'Support the community'
The premier stopped short of urging people to wear masks in public places, but said that people who were at risk because of pre-existing health conditions should consider doing so.
"Obviously over winter it gets worse, so that's why we're trying to get people vaccinated as much as we possibly can," Mr McGowan said.
"By doing so you'll reduce the pressure on our hospitals, it means you protect yourself, your workplace, your family, and you support the community."
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said in a statement the state was about to enter the worst time of year for flu transmission.
"The peak period for influenza transmission in WA is typically from June to September, and now is also the time to make sure your COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date," she said.
"A double infection could be more serious than having either influenza or COVID alone."
