Pharmacies will be able to administer the influenza vaccine to persons aged five years and over this flu season as part of an Australian-first expansion of the community pharmacy vaccination program.
“Flu season is almost upon us and it is time to roll up our sleeves for an influenza vaccine,” said WA Health Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“Together we ensure Western Australia is achieving a soft landing through our Omicron outbreak, largely due to our impressive COVID-19 vaccination rates, and now we must prepare to tackle the flu.
“Influenza can take a considerable toll, especially on our more vulnerable community members.
“With the onset of colder weather, health experts are predicting an increase in respiratory virus cases such as influenza, and the best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated.
“People are encouraged to get their seasonal influenza vaccine as early as possible this year to ensure they are protected before flu season begins and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended booster doses.”
Certain other vaccines, including human papillomavirus, meningococcal ACWY and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, will also soon be able to be administered by trained pharmacists as part of the expansion.
Currently, pharmacists trained in immunisation can administer the following vaccines:
- influenza vaccines for persons aged 10 and above;
- the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine for persons aged 16 and above; and
- COVID vaccinations for persons aged five and above.
From April 26, this will be expanded to allow pharmacists to administer flu vaccines for persons aged five years and above, with Government-funded vaccines expected to be in pharmacies from the first week of May.
Later in 2022, pharmacists will also be able to administer the following vaccines:
- human papillomavirus and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines for persons aged 11 years and above;
- meningococcal ACWY for persons aged 15 years and above;
- measles-mumps-rubella vaccines will continue to be available to persons aged 16 and above, and will be subsidised for those aged 20 years and above; and
- COVID vaccinations for persons aged five and above will also continue.
The influenza vaccination is recommended for people of all ages and is free for those people considered most at-risk of complications from influenza.
For more information, visit https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/influenza
