Western Australia is the only Australian state that has announced a Free Flu Program in 2023.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, WA Branch President, Mr Andrew Ngeow congratulated the Western Australian Government for ensuring that through community pharmacy, Western Australians will be able to easily access this lifesaving, preventative healthcare service.
“Influenza can be fatal and being vaccinated is by far the best preventative measure that there is,” Mr Ngeow said.
The Western Australian government funded a Free Flu Program in 2022 and strong public support resulted in the state achieving its highest ever influenza vaccination level.
“Even with a record number of vaccinations in 2022, the state recorded over 14,000 cases of influenza, the second highest number across the last five years,” Mr Ngeow said.
Over 500 community pharmacies participated in the Free Flu Program in 2022. The sector will again work closely with the Western Australian government to ensure community pharmacies continue to provide all Western Australians with an accessible, convenient, and safe vaccination destination.
“Community pharmacies continue to show how their capacity in the delivery of public health services, and their involvement will ensure that Western Australians can access the Free Flu Program and protect themselves in 2023,” Mr Ngeow said.
At a time when there continues to be difficulties accessing other vaccination providers, community pharmacies remain the logical location for vaccination and our involvement will continue to deliver positive outcomes for individual patients and the community.
“Last year alone, Western Australian community pharmacies administered over 360,000 flu vaccinations. I would encourage all Western Australians to discuss their vaccination options with their local community pharmacy,” Mr Ngeow concluded.
