THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch has welcomed the state government's decision to extend the current Free Influenza Vaccination Program until 31 Jul.
The state is currently suffering from the onset of the most severe influenza season in recent years, with over 8,700 influenza notifications to the WA Department of Health - twice the average of the previous five years.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch President, Andrew Ngeow, pointed out that more than 1,500 Western Australians have been hospitalised with the flu this year.
The severe season has prompted the WA Government to extend the free flu vaccination program, which began on 1 May and was due to finish on 30 Jun.
"We commend the Western Australian Government on this decision, as it will ensure that Western Australians who have not already taken advantage of a free vaccination, will have additional time to do so," said Ngeow.
"Vaccination is by far, if not the only, practical preventative measure that there is against influenza, and therefore unvaccinated Western Australians can take advantage of the extension of this program."
More than 550 community pharmacies across the state are offering the free flu vaccinations in this year's program, and have collectively already administered over 300,000 jabs.
"I would strongly encourage all Western Australians to discuss their vaccination options with their pharmacist at local community pharmacy," he added. JM
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Jun 25
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