IN RESPONSE to trenchant criticism from the AMA around pharmacy promotions of vaccination services encouraging early appointments, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's WA Branch has taken the high ground and focussed on maximising uptake.
Rather than defending the promotions, the Guild has reaffirmed its commitment to the State Department of Health's guidelines around flu vaccination including the need to maximise the uptake of flu vaccinations among all age groups, particularly the vulnerable and those most at risk.
With more than 750 of Australia's 9,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported in Western Australia, the Guild has emphasised its endorsement of the department's guidelines and said that it always encouraged its members to follow the clinical guidance of regulatory authorities.
Approximately 85,000 immunisations were conducted in community pharmacies across Australia last year and official figures "already point to a potentially severe upcoming flu season," the Guild said.
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