The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Victorian Branch) welcomes the announcement from the Minister for Health, the Hon Martin Foley today of flu vaccines to be provided to all Victorians at no charge from community pharmacies and general practices from the 1st of June until 30th June 2022.
Free flu vaccines for all Victorians – just the shot in the arm needed
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Victorian Branch) welcomes the announcement from the Minister for Health, the Hon Martin Foley today of flu vaccines to be provided to all Victorians at no charge from community pharmacies and general practices from the 1st of June until 30th June 2022.
Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone said the free flu vaccine program was an important and significant step for the Victorian health system:
“The combination of COVID-19 and a severe flu season makes having a vaccination all the more important this year to help prevent against influenza and its complications,” he said.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu virus and helps protect other people, especially those who are too sick or too young to get vaccinated.
“For the last two years, influenza numbers have been down, largely because of lockdowns and isolation. This year we are already seeing it is very different with a resurgence of influenza infections and increased hospital presentations.
“Making flu vaccines free for all Victorians will help increase patient access, lift vaccination rates, and reduce the risk of hospitalisations and severe illness. Our healthcare system is already under significant pressure, and we must do whatever we can to ease that load.
Mr Tassone said many people did not realise how dangerous the flu could be.
“However, getting vaccinated is the way to protect yourself and your community,” he said.
“Getting your flu shot at your community pharmacy is easy and convenient.
“Victorian pharmacist immunisers can vaccinate patients aged from 5 years and above and have access to the flu vaccines recommended for patients aged 65 years and over.
“Community pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals and so are very well-placed to administer flu vaccines.
“There is often no waiting time to receive a flu vaccine at pharmacy. You can book an appointment to receive a flu vaccination through findapharmacy.com.au.”
