Flu vaccinations at community pharmacies

The combination of Covid-19 and a forecasted severe flu season makes having a vaccination all the more important this year to help prevent influenza and its complications.

Vaccination is a way to protect people from serious disease caused by influenza and getting vaccinated against the flu also helps protect other people, especially those who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated.

Recognising the importance of getting a flu shot was Kristina Keneally who got her vaccination at Priceline Pharmacy Cabramatta.

Former Senator Keneally is one of many Australians who recognise that the more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

Pharmacist Quinn On warned communities not to be complacent about the flu.

“Last year flu numbers were down, largely because of lockdowns and isolation,” Mr On said.

“This year is going to be a lot different and we anticipate it will be a very tough flu season.

“Many people fail to recognise how dangerous the flu is.

“However, getting vaccinated is the way to protect yourself and your community.”

Getting your flu shot at your community pharmacy is easy and convenient.

“You can be confident in your local community pharmacists’ skills and ability, as they must complete appropriate training before they can administer flu shots,” Mr On said.

“Community pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals and so are very well-placed to administer flu shots.

“There is often no waiting time to get flu vax at the pharmacy.

“In Australia, 95% of capital city-based residents, and some 72% of those based in regional areas live within 2.5 kilometres of a pharmacy so they are really convenient and easy to get to for most people.

“You can also book through findapharmacy.com.au.”