Media release – Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Tasmanian, 24 May 2022
TASMANIAN PHARMACIES URGE PEOPLE TO HAVE THEIR INFLUENZA AND COVID-19 VACCINES AND CONTINUE TO TEST IF THEY HAVE SYMPTOMS
Tasmanian community pharmacies are already seeing a strong uptake of influenza vaccines across the state.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Tasmanian President Helene O’Byrne said that “public health messaging has certainly resulted in people actively seeking out protection against the flu.”
“Due to border closures cases of influenza have been at a historical low for the past two seasons. However with borders now open and restrictions virtually gone, all States and Territories are experiencing a surge in flu cases with Tasmania already seeing an uptick of notifiable cases this month.”
Ms O’Byrne noted it is especially important to make sure younger children are vaccinated against the flu, given their vulnerability to serious illness which may result in hospitalisation.
“Community pharmacies’ recent access to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza stock means that eligible people from age 10 with health conditions, along with anyone aged over 65, can have the vaccination administered in a community pharmacy. It also means pharmacists are able to remind this vulnerable cohort about the risks associated with influenza and encourage them to have the vaccine.”
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be delivered together, which is especially important to older people aged 65 and over who are due for their ‘winter booster’ or fourth dose.
“Pharmacies see a lot of older people and it’s great to be able to provide both vaccines at the same time, without the hassle of two appointments or having to see a GP”, Ms O’Byrne said.
In addition to vaccination services, pharmacies are routinely dispensing the COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments available on the PBS to eligible people.
“Eligible people should be aware that there are medicines available to help with the symptoms and to potentially prevent serious illness from COVID-19, making it even more important to test when feeling unwell”, Ms O’Byrne said.
Anyone who tests positive is urged to contact their GP or Public Health immediately as the antiviral treatments need to be administered in the early stages of the illness.
“These COVID-19 medications can be dispensed and delivered to people who have to remain in isolation by their local community pharmacy”, Ms O’Byrne said.
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are also available to all those holding a concession card, from their local community pharmacy.
Ms O’Byrne reminded parents that although community pharmacies can provide COVID-19 vaccination services to children from 5 years, the current influenza vaccination age is from 10 years.
Ms O’Byrne called on the State Government to align the vaccines’ age eligibility to remove confusion for parents and make access easier.
“It’s about ensuring points of access within our communities and recognising that pharmacies provide an ideal setting and often have already established relationships with parents.”
