Pharmacies will be able to administer the influenza vaccine to persons aged five years and above this flu season as part of an expansion of the community pharmacy vaccination program, in an Australian first.
Certain other vaccines, including human papillomavirus, meningococcal ACWY and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, will also soon be able to be administered by trained pharmacists as part of the expansion.
Currently, pharmacists trained in immunisation can administer the following vaccines:
- influenza vaccines for persons aged 10 and above;
- the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine for persons aged 16 and above; and
- COVID vaccinations for persons aged five and above.
From April 26, 2022, this will be expanded to allow pharmacists to administer flu vaccines for persons aged five years and above, with Government-funded vaccines expected to be in pharmacies from the first week of May.
Later in 2022, pharmacists will also be able to administer the following vaccines:
- human papillomavirus and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines for persons aged 11 years and above;
- meningococcal ACWY for persons aged 15 years and above;
- measles-mumps-rubella vaccines will continue to be available to persons aged 16 and above, and will be subsidised for those aged 20 years and above; and
- COVID vaccinations for persons aged five and above will also continue.
The McGowan Government, through WA Health, will launch an influenza vaccine campaign to encourage Western Australians to get vaccinated ahead of winter.
The past two years has seen Western Australians relatively protected from the flu, however with interstate and international travel open, health authorities are predicting higher cases of influenza this year.
The influenza vaccination is recommended for people of all ages and is free for those people considered most at-risk of complications from influenza.
Influenza vaccines are available from GP clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, community pharmacies and other immunisation providers.
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As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Flu season is almost upon us and it is time to roll up our sleeves for an influenza vaccine.
“Together we ensure Western Australia is achieving a soft landing through our Omicron outbreak, largely due to our impressive COVID-19 vaccination rates, and now we must prepare to tackle the flu.
“Influenza can take a considerable toll, especially on our more vulnerable community members.
“With the onset of colder weather, health experts are predicting an increase in respiratory virus cases such as influenza, and the best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated.
“People are encouraged to get their seasonal influenza vaccine as early as possible this year to ensure they are protected before flu season begins and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended booster doses.”
