The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the federal government’s announcement this week that community pharmacists will be able to provide free flu vaccinations in aged care facilities, including those in the western suburbs, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
The move will see pharmacists able to provide off site flu vaccinations and other vaccines under the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program from Monday 29 April.
Pharmacy Guild national vice president Nick Panayiaris said this will give aged care residents the protection they need in what could be the worst flu season on record.
“The Guild and the government have worked together, and important changes have now been made to NIPVIP to protect vulnerable Australians during this nasty flu season,” Mr Panayiaris said.
“The Guild is pleased that (Health) Minister Mark Butler has acknowledged our concerns over recent months.”
Mr Panayiaris said this decision to enable community pharmacists to provide free crucial vaccinations at aged care facilities under the NIPVIP will undoubtedly save lives.
“A flu vaccination reduces the likelihood of hospitalisation by nearly 70%,” he said.
“Thanks to Minister Butler’s leadership, more vulnerable Australians will be protected.”
The Pharmacy Guild has also welcomed the announcement that NIPVIP payments will be indexed.
“The Guild will always champion healthcare policy that delivers for patients by increasing accessibility and affordability of healthcare.
According to the Department of Health, the March quarter has been the worst on record in terms of the number flu cases recorded.
To date flu cases this year are 40% higher than for the same time last year.
