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ACT is the last jurisdiction to have expanded the availability of vaccination by trained pharmacists
The ACT government has announced that trained community pharmacists would now be able to administer flu shots and whooping cough vaccine to people aged 16 and over. Previously, the age limit was 18 years and over.
In addition, ACT Community pharmacists will now have access to the influenza vaccine included in the National Immunization Program for those 65 years of age and older.
Simon Blacker, president of ACT Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said the new provisions would help improve the flu vaccine coverage of ACT residents.
"The immunity of the community is a critical factor in protecting the public against the flu and easier access to vaccines is a very positive step," said Mr. Blacker.
"Access to influenza vaccines as part of the national immunization program will also help vaccinate more people.
"Previously, these were only available in general medical clinics, but people can now have easy and quick access through their community pharmacy.
"Community pharmacies are very accessible in terms of opening times and locations and waiting times are minimal in most cases."
Mr Blacker said the Immunization Coalition had already reported 183 laboratory-confirmed influenza notifications in ACT this year.
"Vaccination is essential to protect yourself and others in the community from the flu," Blacker said.
"Although some people are at high risk of getting the flu, including those 65 and older, the flu can strike anyone, even the young, fit and healthy. In fact, one in four people who are hospitalized with the flu has no underlying health problem.
"Influenza is a life-threatening disease that causes more deaths than accidents on Australian roads: between 1,500 and 3,500 deaths a year.
"Experts estimate that in Australia, the flu causes more than 18,000 hospitalizations and 300,000 GP visits per year.
"Going to your community pharmacy for your flu shot as soon as possible makes sense and the new arrangements make it even more accessible."
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