Free influenza vaccinations welcomed

The Queensland branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the extension to the free influenza vaccination program announced by the Queensland Government recently.

Branch president Chris Owen said this extension will go a long way in increasing the uptake of vaccinations next year.

The National Immunisation Program has seen great success across the state since being implemented in 2022 with nearly one million Queenslanders take up the offer to better protect themselves from influenza however those numbers are suboptimal.

Mr Owen said the 2024 free program will allow all Queenslanders to access this important vaccination at a community pharmacy in the lead up and throughout the flu season.

“We would like to thank the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman for her commitment to the program and making this initiative free ensuring there are no cost-of-living barriers for Queenslanders in putting their health first,” he said.

“This early commitment means community pharmacists will continue to be prepared to meet the demand of Queenslanders taking up the free service ahead of and during the 2024 flu season.

“Community pharmacists will be given ample time to plan and secure the necessary vaccine stock to meet the anticipated demand.

“The advance notice will also enable Queensland families to plan ahead and visit their local community pharmacy to receive the free vaccine and help reduce the spread of the virus, protecting friends and family most at risk.”

Queenslanders will be able to access the free vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies when the seasonal flu vaccination becomes available.

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