Pharmacy Daily | Guild launches flu vax ad campaign

TELEVISION advertising funded by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, urging people to book an appointment for an influenza vaccine at the local pharmacy will air nationally tonight.

Launching the new ad campaign, Guild Acting National President, Nick Panayiaris, noted that getting vaccinated was the best way to protect people from what is forecast to be a severe flu season.

"The combination of COVID-19 and a severe flu season makes having a vaccination all the more important this year to help prevent against influenza and its complications," he said.

"Vaccination is a way to protect people from serious disease caused by influenza and getting vaccinated against the flu also helps protect other people, especially those who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated.

"Last year influenza numbers were down, largely because of lockdowns and isolation.

This year is anticipated to be a lot different and we are already seeing a resurgence of influenza infections and increased hospital presentations.

"The Queensland Government's decision to provide free flu shots is welcome and other States and Territories should also look at ways to help remove out-of-pocket costs as a barrier for patients in their jurisdiction."

Panayiaris noted that many patients downplay the risks posed by the flu, but stressed that, "getting vaccinated is the way to protect yourself and your community".

"You can be confident in your local community pharmacists' skills and ability.

"Pharmacists can vaccinate people across a wide range of ages, from children to elderly adults... in some States pharmacists can vaccinate children from five years of age.

"Community pharmacists are among Australia's most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals and so are very well-placed to administer flu shots.

"There is often no waiting time to receive a flu vaccine at a pharmacy."

The TV campaign will also be supported by online advertising to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccinations and the availability of shots through community pharmacies.