VICTORIA'S pharmacist vaccination rules should be the model that all other states and territories follow, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch President, John Dowling, believes.
Writing in the Hobart Mercury last week, Dowling praised the Tasmanian State Government's decision to lower the minimum age pharmacists could administer the influenza vaccine to 10 (PD 20 May), but stressed the need for pharmacists to be empowered to do more when it comes to vaccine preventable diseases in the wake of Australia's worst flu season, which claimed the lives of more than 800 people.
"I'm proud of the role community pharmacists played in vaccinating Tasmanians," he said.
"Without our work the toll would likely have been higher.
"Tasmanian Health Minister, Sarah Courtney, should also be congratulated on making vaccinations more readily available by lowering the age children can be vaccinated in pharmacies.
"This makes it easier for busy parents to pop into their local pharmacy without making several appointments, particularly with yearly vaccinations like the flu.
"While Tasmania and Western Australia are making great steps in bolstering immunisation rates, it is the Victorian Government that is at the forefront.
"Victoria has included pharmacies in the provision of free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program for those aged 65 and over - one of the highest risk groups for flu," Dowling noted.
"This pragmatic approach is bolstering flu vaccination rates.
"In Tasmania and every other state in the country, this is only available through general practitioners, after the hassle of making an appointment and in many cases paying for a consultation.
"This year Victoria's flu rate was significantly below the national one, when adjusted for its population.
"We should be looking at this success in protecting the elderly here in Tasmania - our pharmacists stand ready to help.
"Doing so is a cost-effective way of reducing the disease burden on our state's hospital system but, most importantly saves lives."
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