THE National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are urging health professionals to talk to their asthma patients about why they need to get the flu vaccine without delay.
Predictions of a horror flu season for 2025 (PD 27 Mar)have made this even more critical, with between 60-70% of asthma attacks due to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.
Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead at the NAC, said pharmacists play an important role in encouraging patients to get their influenza vaccine and make sure they are protected.
"Each year, 25-30% of influenza vaccines are delivered by community pharmacy, so when patients come in to fill their asthma medication script, it is the perfect time to speak to them about also getting their flu vaccine," A/Prof Rigby said.
She also pointed out that higher risk Australians, including children and adults with asthma, now have access to free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim added it is important to stress that patients should act before the flu season peak.
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