WITH an alarming increase of flu cases, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling on all eligible individuals to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible.
Reports from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System indicate that in the first quarter of 2024, there were 26,836 reported cases of influenza, a figure that had already doubled compared to the same period last year by Feb.
Guild National President Trent Twomey (pictured) emphasised the urgency of getting vaccinated ahead of the flu season, which typically spans from May to Oct.
"Flu vaccines for the 2024 season are now available in community pharmacies nationwide," Twomey stated, highlighting the readiness of community pharmacies to administer the vaccines.
He also pointed out that Queensland residents aged six months and older could receive the flu vaccine for free until 30 Sep, courtesy of the state government.
Similarly, Western Australia has announced free flu shots for all residents aged six months and over during May and Jun (PD 03 Apr).
Twomey stressed the importance of early vaccination to protect against the flu and its complications, noting that while the vaccine's protection lasts throughout the year, it is most effective in the first three to four months after administration.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends that individuals who received a flu vaccine in late 2023 should still get vaccinated for 2024 and that flu vaccines can be administered concurrently with other vaccines, such as COVID-19. JG
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