Media Release
4 March 2020
After last year’s horrific flu season that saw 902 Australians die from influenza and 313,061 Australians infected with the virus, TerryWhite Chemmart is making sure it is well prepared to help customers take control this flu season.
As part of a Winter Defence campaign launching tomorrow across their network of more than 450 pharmacies, TerryWhite Chemmart is encouraging all Australians that are able, to be well prepared this winter by getting a flu vaccination early.
TerryWhite Chemmart CEO Duncan Phillips says flu vaccination stock had started to arrive in pharmacies with pharmacists well prepared to vaccinate before the peak flu season.
“We are in a fortunate position across our large network of pharmacies to be able to help improve vaccination rates to avoid a repeat of last year’s record-breaking season.
“As we know it is recommended that people get vaccinated some 3 to 4 months before the peak flu season hits to ensure the best protection.
“Customers can book online now at a time and place that is convenient to them and walk ins and weekend appointments are also available in most of our pharmacies,” Mr Phillips explains.
“Last year TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacists provided its flu vaccination service to 250,000 customers and I am confident that we can help even more customers this year.”
As part of their Winter Defence Strategy, TerryWhite Chemmart have dedicated several sessions to influenza at their Masterclass event currently taking place in Melbourne, including one featuring Professor Robert Booy – Chairman of the Immunisation Coalition and Professor at the University of Sydney in Paediatrics, Vaccinology, Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases.
TerryWhite Chemmart Professional Practice Manager Chris Campbell is thrilled to have Professor Booy discuss the critical role influenza antivirals play particularly for older Australians.
“While immunisation continues to play the major role in the reduction of influenza induced morbidity and mortality, Australia still experienced one of the worst seasons on record in 2019.
“It is therefore important that pharmacists who are very much on the frontline of healthcare associated with influenza know how to best identify patients with influenza like symptoms, can triage and refer where necessary and understand where antivirals may fit in terms of treatment and prophylaxis,” Mr Campbell says.
“Appropriate triage is even more important today as we tackle the COVID-19 virus, which seems to exhibit symptoms similar to influenza.”
The TerryWhite Chemmart Masterclass event is currently taking place at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne.
The TerryWhite Chemmart Winter Defence campaign launches 5 March 2020.
For more information and to book online for a flu vaccination appointment visit: terrywhitechemmart.com.au/flu
Text and image by: TerryWhite Chemmart Corporate Communications
