The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland’s Branch President, Chris Owen, said time is running out to access free influenza vaccines at your community pharmacy through the Queensland Government’s Free Flu Program, which ends Monday, 30 September.
Mr Owen said more than 457,000 Queenslanders had chosen to receive their influenza vaccination over the past year in one of the over 1,200 community pharmacies across the state.
“Of the number of people choosing to get the flu vaccines, 26% have accessed the vaccinations in Queensland through their community pharmacy,” said Mr. Owen.
“That’s an increase of almost 10% in just a few short years (2021).”
Mr. Owen also said that with the Free Flu Program coming to an end on 30 September, the time was still right for Queenslanders to get their free vaccination.
“Even though we’re through the worst of this year’s seasonal flu season, it still makes sense to get the vaccine if you haven’t already done so.
“The flu is around all year, and typically, the vaccine remains effective for a few months, so getting vaccinated now will reduce the chances of falling ill with influenza through the Christmas holidays, especially if you are travelling to colder winter locations over the holiday,” said Mr. Owen.
“No one likes to be sick over Christmas.”
Mr Owen said that getting vaccinations through community pharmacies is easier for many people because of the large number of pharmacies throughout Queensland.
“97% of people who live in metropolitan areas live within 2.5 kilometres of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians live within five kilometres of their community pharmacy,” Mr Owen said.
“There are more vaccinations offered in Queensland pharmacies than any other state in Australia,” said Mr Owen, “we really are spoilt for choice here in the Sunshine State.”
Mr Owen also said that, with only a few days left to access the free vaccines, he didn’t want anyone to miss out.
“Thanks to funding provided by the Queensland Government, Queenslanders six months of age and older can access free influenza vaccinations through community pharmacy, but only until September 30.
To book an appointment to access influenza vaccinations at your nearest community pharmacy, patients are encouraged to visit www.findapharmacy.com.au.