SA pharmacists funded to deliver free flu vaccines for children under 5

7 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to fund pharmacist-administered influenza vaccines for children aged six months to under five years – a vital step to improve access and protect more young children from serious illness.

 

Flu is a very serious infection for babies and children under five, and can lead to middle ear infections and croup as well as hospitalisation for associated bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

 

With 78.4% of South Australian children between 6 months and 5 years old are currently unvaccinated against influenza, more needs to be done to improve access to lifesaving childhood vaccinations.

 

Now free flu vaccines for young children are not only available through GPs and local councils, but also through community pharmacists, making it easier and fairer to access protection against influenza.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said the announcement improved equity of access, regardless of where consumers choose to get vaccinated.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible health professionals in the community. This change allows families to choose their local pharmacy without worrying about the cost. Importantly, it means our little ones will be protected against flu and its complications avoiding a doctor visit, hospitalisation, missing childcare or kindy, or their parent/carer needing to take time off work to care for them” Dr Manya Angley FPS said.

 

“Acknowledging the great work already done by GPs and Local Councils in vaccinating young children, the inclusion of community pharmacists will further boost flu vaccination rates in this vulnerable age group.”

 

“It is further recognition by the Government of the role of pharmacists in delivering convenient, timely, affordable care and removes financial barriers for families seeking protection for their children.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the SA Government to boost vaccination rates through pharmacists,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

All South Australian pharmacists are urged to ensure they are ready to deliver vaccination for children under five, reaffirming competence with the PSA Immunisation Refresher.

 

 

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