The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch says Queenslanders have been coming out in droves to access free influenza vaccines through community pharmacies.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President Chris Owen says, this week’s announcement by the Palaszczuk Government that Queensland residents aged between 5 and 64 years are now eligible to receive a free flu vaccine will mean more Queenslanders are likely to choose to get vaccinated in Queensland community pharmacies.
“Almost 200,000 Queenslanders have already chosen to receive their influenza vaccinations through community pharmacies since 1 March,” said Mr Owen, “with this week’s announcement of free influenza vaccines until the end of June, we’re expecting that number to rise significantly.”
“Approximately 25,000 Queenslanders have already accessed a free influenza vaccine through community pharmacies in under four days, with tens of thousands of more bookings already made.
“I’m hearing from community pharmacists across the state that there has been a lot of interest from Queenslanders looking to take advantage of the free vaccines,” Mr Owen said.
“The Guild has launched an easy-to-use booking website qldfreevax.com.au for Queensland residents who want to book a free influenza vaccination through their local community pharmacies.
“The Guild Corporate Health – Standing Offer Arrangement (SOA) currently in place with the Queensland Government, enabled us to move fast to give patients access to a free vaccine and provide Queensland Health and pharmacies with a single reporting method.
“Under the Guild Corporate Health Program, community pharmacies use GuildLink software to record the vaccination, check the Australian Immunisation Register in real-time and claim a next-day payment. Without this software and SOA, the State would not have been able to move so quickly,” he said.
“This week, community pharmacies across Queensland have seen a great increase in the number of calls from the public looking to access the free influenza vaccinations,” Mr Owen continued.
“To help pharmacists to get on with vaccinating, instead of calling, we strongly encourage all Queenslanders to visit the qldfreevax.com.au site to make an appointment at their preferred community pharmacy.
“With the increase in demand for vaccinations, there have been reports of some supply shortages.
“I’d encourage people to continue to be patient and check qldfreevax.com.au for more appointments to become available as community pharmacies are receiving more stock every day. The free vaccines will continue to be on offer until 30 June.
“Similar to the Covid-19 vaccinations, influenza vaccinations will be administered by highly trained and qualified pharmacists who must attain a current first aid and CPR certificate and accreditation in anaphylaxis management,” he said.
