Released 02/05/2016
Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris today received a flu shot from a local accredited pharmacist and urged Canberrans to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against the flu this winter.
“Influenza is responsible for significant illness in our community every winter and for some at risk groups, the illness can lead to serious complications and even death,” Minister Fitzharris said.
- “Annual vaccination against influenza is the simplest and most effective way our community can prepare for the winter months, reducing the impact of outbreaks and ensuring the health of all Canberrans.
- “This year the ACT Government introduced a further option to receive the flu shot from an accredited pharmacists to adult patients without a prescription, making it even easier to get vaccinated.
“This has been made possible through a recent amendment to the Medicine, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulations 2008, and will improve access and availability of influenza vaccinations for adults, ensuring there are a range of ways to access the vaccination locally.
“Pharmacist vaccinations also complement existing immunisation services currently available through visits to general practitioners, other primary health providers and workplace vaccination programs.
“Groups who are most at risk of severe complications from influenza and that may be eligible for free flu vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program, include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over and individuals aged six months and over with underlying medical conditions.
“For people outside these groups, including parents of children six months and under and health and community workers, the vaccination is relatively inexpensive and can help protect you, your family and your friends from getting the flu,” Minister Fitzharris said.
For further information on influenza and the influenza vaccination visit http://www.health.act.gov.au/public-information/public-health/public-health-alerts/influenza-act.
For more information of pharmacist administered influenza vaccination visit www.health.act.gov.au/pharmaceuticalservices.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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