FREE FLU VACCINE: Terry White Chemist Pharmaceutical Manager Angeline Becher is encouraging people to get the flu shot. Photo: Elisabeth Champion
Charlotte Varcoe
FREE flu shots are putting pharmacies in a different situation with a Mount Gambier pharmacist claiming there was no prior communication from the state government.
State Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas announced last week that all South Australians would be eligible for the free vaccine by 30 June.
The blows will be funded through a grant scheme for general practitioners and state pharmacists and are expected to cost $ 4.9 million.
Terry White Chemist Pharmacy Manager Angeline Becher said the announcement was positive for the community, but better communication was needed with health professionals.
Ms Becher said having the announcement made over the weekend, with no prior notice and no additional stock, put pharmacies in a tight spot.
“Most flu vaccine stocks at the moment may be tense due to the fact that Queensland has announced its free flu vaccine a week before South Australia and many stocks are being diverted to give. support, “Becher said.
“The initiative is fantastic, however, because now many families will be able to spend money on something else and it is fair to say that it will also reduce the financial pressure.”
The pharmacy manager said that in May alone staff had administered about 500 flu shots, including residents of nursing homes, and reservations have also been filled quickly.
“I’m glad I was able to vaccinate nursing homes because residents are the most vulnerable,” Ms. Becher said.
Believing that flu vaccines should be free every year, Becher said the initiative would help prevent overloading the health care system, especially during the winter.
“Vaccines really should be free, especially for our most vulnerable and those in health care settings,” he said.
“This also includes school-age children because they need it too.
“This winter is expected to be a bad year for flu cases and it’s really time to get vaccinated, continue hand hygiene and take care of your health.”
The free flu vaccination program will also allow pharmacies to vaccinate children ages five to nine, a change from the previous program for children over the age of 10.