Time running out for free flu vax

pharmacies ready

While there has been a record number of people in Queensland who have obtained their free flu shot this month, with only two days left of the Queensland Government flu vaccination program, time is running out for Queensland residents aged between 5 and 64 to receive a free influenza vaccination in community pharmacies.

“More than 157,510 free influenza vaccinations have been administered in Queensland community pharmacies since the initiative commenced on May 24,” says Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President Chris Owen.

“We have also found that many people have been taking advantage of our free online booking service,” says Mr Owen.

“The website (qldfreevax.com.au) has had more than 120,900 visits and over 196,790 bookings made since it was launched on 26 May 2022.”

Mr Owen says, while time is running out, there is still an opportunity to gain access to free influenza vaccination.

“This initiative is due to finish in two days,” says Mr Owen.

“However, it’s never been easier to book in and get your free influenza vaccination before the end of the month.

“Our online booking service is straightforward and easy to use.

“All anyone has to do is enter their suburb, and the website automatically finds the next available appointment at the closest community pharmacy,” he says.

Mr Owen says that like with the Covid-19 vaccinations, flu vaccinations in community pharmacies are administered by “highly trained and qualified pharmacists”.

Any pharmacist administering flu vaccinations, says Mr Owen, must also “attain a current first aid and CPR certificate and accreditation in anaphylaxis management”.

“I encourage Queenslanders to visit their local community pharmacy to receive their free influenza vaccine before the program ends on Thursday 30 June 2022,” says Mr Owen.