Chemist Warehouse has again been offering Australians a convenient way to help protect themselves against the flu, with in-pharmacy flu immunisation clinics available across the country.
With flu season imminent, the Australian government recommends an annual flu shot for all Australians aged over six months. Chemist Warehouse’s national flu campaign comes as the Immunisation Coalition reports that as of Wednesday April 15, there have been 28,987 laboratory confirmed cases of the flu in Australia so far this year. This is up from a total of 12,373 cases reported to April 30 in 2018.
“Clinical experts have advised that optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
“Getting vaccinated from mid-April allows protection during the peak influenza transmission period, from around June to September in most parts of Australia,” he said.
Immunisation is critical to maintaining public health and preventing the outbreak of infectious diseases.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt took the opportunity to have his flu immunisation at Chemist Warehouse Mornington this week, administered by a trained pharmacist immuniser, Mr Dmytri Nikolayev.
This year, the in-pharmacy flu immunisation service is available in over 230 Chemist Warehouse stores, offering customers immunisation with the 2019 influenza vaccine. Bookings can be made in store or via the online booking system at http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/flu.
The 2019 vaccine contains the influenza strains recommended for the southern hemisphere by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by the Australian Influenza Committee (AIVC).
The strains recommended for Australia in 2019 are:
- A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1) pdm09 – like virus (A/Singapore/GP1908/2015 (IVR-180A)).
- A/Switzerland/8060/2017 (H3N2) – like virus (A/Brisbane/01/2018 (X-311)).
- B/Colorado/06/2017 – like virus (B/Maryland/15/2016).
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 – like virus (B/Phuket/3073/2013 (BVR-1B)).
Immunisation remains one of the key defences against the flu and immunisation can take up to two to three weeks to take effect.
Chemist Warehouse Director of Retail and Pharmacist Mario Tascone said “the flu is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications and the annual flu vaccination is the most important step in preventing influenza ahead of flu season. As the house of wellness, we are committed to educating Australians on the importance of being prepared and encouraging them to be vaccinated to protect not only themselves but those around them and the wider community.”
Qualified doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacist immunisers are administering the vaccine to patients for $12.99. The process is convenient, quick, affordable and accessible.
Bookings are now available online or by contacting your local store for more information.
