THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia's New South Wales branch has joined with the New South Wales government and other health organisations to encourage patients across the state to get their influenza vaccine as flu season begins.
Influenza causes thousands of hospitalisations and deaths across New South Wales every year.
Immunisation remains the most effective way of preventing infection and illness across the community.
Flu infections are likely to begin rising soon and are expected to peak in April.
The Guild has encouraged patients to get vaccinated at their local community pharmacies, which are easily accessible and affordable, with more than 97% of capital city residents living within 2.5km of a pharmacy.
Pharmacies are a trusted destination for patients to receive vaccines, having delivered over 10 million vaccinations against COVID-19 since the pandemic began and hundreds of thousands of influenza vaccinations across New South Wales in 2022 alone.
"Flu season is coming, and there is no better way to protect yourself and your community than to get vaccinated," said David Heffernan, the Guild's NSW Branch President.
"Double arm yourself and get your COVID booster at the same time.
"It takes three to four weeks for immunity to develop, so get your vaccine now.
"It's incredibly easy to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy.
"It only takes fifteen minutes out of your day, and it could make the world of difference to your health."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Apr 23
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