Pharmacists administer 1M flu vaccines!

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) strengthens calls on governments to expand the activation of pharmacists in vaccinating against COVID-19, following their clear success in administering influenza vaccines.

 

As of Sunday, 18 July, pharmacists have administered over one million influenza vaccines to Australians, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, commends pharmacists who continue to play a crucial role in protecting our community, helping Australians consistently achieve high influenza vaccination rates.

 

“Year-on-year local pharmacists are continuing to make a significant contribution to immunisation against seasonal influenza, protecting their communities against this potentially deadly disease.

 

“Recent data from the AIR shows that pharmacist-administered flu vaccinations have now surpassed the one million mark since the start of this season. I know how grateful the public is to conveniently receive their vaccination from their local pharmacist.

 

“It’s not too late to get your flu vaccination from your local pharmacist, particularly as we come into our second traditional peak for the season.”

 

A/Prof Freeman went on to renew calls for nationwide pharmacist involvement in the COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

 

“This data from the AIR is indicative of the impact that local pharmacists can have on achieving national immunity and provides concrete justification that community pharmacist involvement will expedite completion of the vaccine rollout.

 

“According to a report released by the McKell Institute on Monday, activation of 4,000 community pharmacies would allow Australia to reach its vaccination targets roughly two months faster than at the current rate.

 

“In NSW, Premier Berejiklian has confirmed that the vast majority of community pharmacists will be activated over the coming weeks to combat the escalating COVID-19 outbreak across the state.

 

“All jurisdictions must take action and allow all COVID-19 vaccines to be available through the entire vaccinating pharmacist network.

 

“All Australians should have the option to go to their local pharmacist for their recommended vaccine because it is so easy and convenient to do so.” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463