Push for flu jab as WA vaccine rates slump

Children and older residents are being urged to get the flu vaccine by the West Australian health minister as vaccination rates in the state fall.

Last year about 20 per cent of people over 65 years old who caught the flu were hospitalised, Health Minister Roger Cook told reporters on Wednesday.

"We know it is a great pressure on our hospital system, and we know the best way to protect ourselves and our community in the winter months is to make sure we get a flu vaccine," he said before getting the jab himself.

Just seven per cent of children under the age of five were being vaccinated in 2010-2014, drastically falling from 42 per cent in 2008-09, a study from Princess Margaret Hospital found.

About 55 per cent of people aged over 65 got the flu vaccine last year, down from about 64 per cent in 2014.

At-risk groups including young children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, pregnant women, people aged over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions can get the flu jab for free from their GP and community health clinics.

Others can get the vaccine through their GP or participating chemists for a small cost.