The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging all eligible Australians to get their flu shot following an alarming number of flu cases across the country ahead of the official start of flu season.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling on all Australians eligible for the flu vaccine to receive their shots as the country experiences a significant early surge in flu cases. With winter still six weeks away, approximately 30,000 Australians have already been diagnosed with the flu this year, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. The federal government's response includes authorizing pharmacists to administer free flu vaccinations to vulnerable population segments, aiming to address the alarming rise in flu cases.

Among the significant changes implemented by the government is the expansion of pharmacists' roles in administering vaccines, especially in aged care facilities. Previously, pharmacists were permitted to provide COVID-19 vaccinations within these settings but were restricted from offering flu shots. This restriction has now been lifted, allowing around 200,000 residents in assisted living facilities across Australia access to flu vaccinations more conveniently. This move is intended to alleviate some of the burdens on general practitioners, making vaccinations more accessible and reducing wait times for appointments.

The urgency for widespread flu vaccination is underscored by the statistics from the previous year, which saw 39 flu-related deaths in Australia, including nine children. The Health Minister has expressed concern over the decrease in childhood vaccinations, indicating that efforts are underway to promote the benefits of flu vaccinations more effectively to parents. The recent increase in flu cases and the subsequent government and healthcare sector response underscore the importance of flu vaccinations in protecting both the vulnerable and the broader community from the flu's impact.



Early start to flu season prompts vaccination calls

Alling up her sleeve, Frances Fattari is building up her flu immunity from her local pharmacists. It's available at your doorstep, so why not have it? Alarmingly, with still six weeks until winter, 30,000 Australians have already caught the flu this year, up 40% on last year. And with no signs of slowing, the Federal Government has now allowed pharmacists to administer free jabs to some of the most vulnerable in our community. Local aged care facilities who are crying out for their local pharmacy, with whom they have a very close relationship, to be able to come and deliver the flu vaccine to aged care residents. Prior to today, pharmacists could provide a COVID vaccination in aged care facilities, but not the flu. The change is set to benefit around 200,000 residents living in assisted care across the country, easing the pressure of long GP wait times. My mum doesn't drive, so I have to take her to the doctors. And making an appointment, taking time off work, this is fantastic. And it's a logical step that we've gone from being able to vaccinate, to the COVID vaccines, to be able to get subsidised vaccines for all the vaccinations, but able to service those that are most vulnerable, that probably need it the most. Last year, 39 Australians died from the flu, nine of those were children. The Health Minister says the drop-off in childhood vaccinations is concerning. We're considering ways in which we can continue to promote to parents of young ones the benefits of vaccination. Josh Webster for 10 News First.

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