Pharmacy flu shots expanded as immunisation coverage plummets

Carter’s Pharmacy in Gunnedah is seeing good interest from people seeking the influenza vaccine this year.

It comes as new measures are introduced to boost immunisation coverage across the state which has plummeted among young children.

Children as young as two years of age can now receive their influenza vaccine from their local pharmacy.

Previously, only GPs were authorised to vaccinate children younger than five for influenza.

In NSW, the influenza vaccination coverage for 6-month to under 5-year-olds has declined from 41.3 per cent in 2020 to 25.4 per cent in 2024.

Authorising community pharmacists to vaccinate children as young as two years of age against influenza is expected to boost access to the vaccine as parents will now be able to bring their children to get vaccinated closer to home and without having to wait for a GP appointment.

Karen Carter said COVID booster vaccinations, which are free to

everyone, are also rolling out in Gunnedah.

“We have seen a great uptake of both flu and COVID vaccinations in April,” Karen said. “There’s still time to be vaccinated for flu.

“People over 65 years and all First Nations patients can receive a free flu vaccine.

“People with a chronic condition such as asthma can access free flu vaccine.

“COVID vaccinations are free to everyone.”

The NSW Government has amended the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards to allow for the expansion of eligibility for the influenza vaccination.

This announcement follows the launch of the official winter vaccination campaign by the NSW Government ahead of the peak respiratory virus season.

International experience indicates the possibility of a higher than

usual influenza activity season this year.