IN A proactive move to combat what the Guild called the "worst flu season on record", community pharmacists will be administering free flu vaccinations at aged care facilities from 29 Apr under the National Immunisation Program (PD Sat breaking news).
The initiative, which falls under the expanded scope of the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program, aims to enhance flu protection among the elderly population.
"The Guild and the Government have worked together, and important changes have now been made to NIPVIP to protect vulnerable Australians during this nasty flu season," said Nick Panayiaris, National Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
This development is important given the Department of Health's report indicates a 40% increase in flu cases this year compared to the same period last year.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia CEO Prof Steve Morris said the expansion of the NIPVIP to include pharmacists will "drastically improve the specialised care we provide to these aged care patients".
He also welcomed the confirmation of remuneration for the service in line with indexation of MBS service payments.
"Lifting remuneration to meet the rising costs of service delivery allows pharmacists to continue delivering critical vaccination clinics," he said.
"Adequate pharmacist remuneration is critical to ensuring this service can continue to be delivered sustainably." JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Apr 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 22 Apr 24
