The AMA has urged WA Health to get its act together and introduce free influenza vaccinations urgently in WA as flu cases surge across the country.

WA branch spokesperson Dr Andrew Miller urged state health authorities not to waste time in the vaccine rollout and said the double threat of flu and COVID this winter meant mask wearing and sanitisation were still important safeguards for the community.

“GPs have shown during COVID they can roll out massive amount of vaccine when they need to and they’re backed up by other health care professionals around the place,” he told 6PR Mornings host Liam Bartlett.

“You got to make sure your listeners are the front line people and deliver it in a timely manner and don’t do it in the usual WA Health Department-come lately-have a meeting-and eat the biscuit.”

Victoria has had more than 10,000 cases so far this year, compared to 62 this time last year.

Dr Miller’s comments came as WA recorded 12,419 new COVID cases on Wednesday, including 301 in hospital, seven ICU related.

Premier Mark McGowan on Wednesday said he supported free vaccinations but any program required more consultation.

Press PLAY to hear more from the AMA president on WA’s flu risks