Pharmacists welcome another year of free influenza vaccines in WA Budget

10 May 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the 2024-25 Western Australia Budget delivered by Treasurer the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA yesterday, with a record $3.2 billion investment in health and mental health across the state.

Importantly, the Budget also allocated $8 million for free flu vaccines in May and June 2025 for all Western Australians aged six months and older.

PSA Western Australia President Kristian Ray MPS said that the budget measure provides certainty for the state’s pharmacists.

“Knowing that the Cook Government will provide free influenza vaccines in 2025 gives pharmacists the opportunity to prepare early to meet increased demand,” Mr Ray said.

“Reducing barriers to vaccination is key to improving uptake, including making them low- or no-cost to consumers, and allowing families to get vaccinated together before the flu season begins.

“PSA continues to advocate for the pharmacist immuniser workforce to be fully utilised, delivering all vaccines to patients of all ages and in all settings in line with best practice. This means amending the existing authority and allowing pharmacist to deliver childhood vaccinations, including influenza vaccines, providing Western Australians greater choice and equitable options to access vaccines.

“Pharmacists have demonstrated competency in delivering vaccines safely and effectively and have made a significant contribution to public health by vaccinating countless Western Australians.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Cook Government to ensure that pharmacists are able to reach their full potential, as immunisers and as health care professionals,” Mr Ray concluded.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au