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4 INDUSTRY UPDATES DO YOUR BIT WITH A FLU VACCINATION The more people vaccinated against the flu this season, the less the flu will spread in the community. Minimising the spread of flu is a good way to reduce strain on hospitals, and the healthcare system in general, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu in Australia is a major cause of illness, from which people die every year, but last year’s flu vaccine will not give protection this year. The vaccine needs to be taken every year, as every year new strains of the virus emerge. A specific vaccine is available for people aged over 65, providing the best protection for this age group. NPS MedicineWise Pharmacist and Medicines Line Team Manager Nerida Packham says April to June is usually a good time to get a flu shot in Australia. “It’s particularly important to get your flu vaccination before winter this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Flu vaccination will not prevent you from getting infected with COVID-19, but it will help you avoid influenza and its complications. Symptoms may be more severe if you’re infected with both influenza and COVID-19 at the same time. “As many practices are providing only telehealth consultations, check with your local practice about arrangements to get the flu vaccine. Some community pharmacies are also giving flu vaccines. Social distancing measures will be in place to help keep everyone safe.” NO TO VIOLENCE WELCOMES OPERATION RIBBON Victoria’s No to Violence organisation, which aims to deliver safe and effective interventions for Australian men using family violence, and provides the Men’s Referral Service, has welcomed the launch of Operation Ribbon by Victoria Police. The operation includes ramped up police efforts to protect family violence victims amid grim warnings of an escalation of incidents under COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and increasing checks on domestic violence offenders to ensure they’re complying with court orders and management plans. No to Violence CEO Jacqui Watt said: “An essential part of preventing and responding to family violence will be working with the people using it. “No to Violence will continue its strong relationship with Victoria Police and the Victorian government to address family violence at its source.” She adds that specialist police officers have checked directly on 106 high-risk offenders since the operation began on 15 April. “Of those, 13 have been remanded in custody,” Ms Watt said. “It means these offenders are being kept in sight. “Our most recent data shows that we’ve experienced a big jump in police referrals to our Men’s Referral Service (MRS) Helpline since \[Victoria’s\] Stage 3 \[COVID-19\] restrictions commenced. “While the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t make someone use family violence, it can escalate and increase the frequency. We aim to keep women safe by working with men to address the causes of their violence.” Ms Watt says “COVID-19 isn’t an excuse for violence”. She urges those using violence, or who feel like they’re going to use it, to call the confidential MRS Helpline on 1800 766 491 or talk to No to Violence online at ntv.org.au. She adds that for those experiencing family violence, help is available on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or safe steps (1800 015 188). AT-HOME CARE FOR LUNG-CONDITION PATIENTS One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the management of patients with lung conditions (non- COVID and COVID patients) while they remain in home isolation. A home-based program developed by Monash University researcher Professor Anne Holland is gaining global attention because it’s designed to assist clinicians with developing at-home rehabilitation programs for those with respiratory illness. “These patients are highly compromised and at risk of developing a serious form of COVID-19 if exposed to the virus, so it’s imperative they remain in isolation where possible,” she said. A recent clinical trial involving two groups (166 participants) were compared immediately after the standard eight-week outpatient rehabilitation model for people with lung disease (normally twice-weekly trips to the hospital) and again 12 months after the trial completion. The study found the home-based rehabilitation was just as effective as the outpatient model, with patient success measured by their ability to walk for six minutes unaided. The online program allows for a specialist clinician to meet a patient’s unique rehabilitation needs and involves one at-home visit, followed by weekly telehealth meetings and a self-management program of exercise, diet and mental health with their condition monitored remotely. “As we prepare for a massive influx of patients recovering from COVID-19, many of them with lung issues, and ideally minimising any unnecessary hospital visits or face- to-face contact with a doctor, there’s never been a more important time to ensure patients have access and the option to choose an online program,” Professor Holland said. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAY 2020