The government finances free flu vaccinations in retirement homes and care for the disabled

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, has announced a new initiative to expand access to flu vaccinations in care homes and disability settings.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, Minister Butler emphasized the importance of proactive health measures in light of rising flu cases across Australia.

Looking back on the increase in the number of flu cases, Minister Butler emphasized the urgency of flu vaccinations.

“Although the weather there is exceptionally nice, it is important to say that the flu season is already upon us. We already have about 40% more cases than the same period last year. So it is important to talk about the importance of flu vaccination,” he noted.

In a major step to improve vaccine accessibility, Minister Butler announced that pharmacists would now be funded to administer free flu vaccines in care homes and disability settings.

“Today, however, I would also like to make an additional announcement to that program. And that is that we will now pay public pharmacies to be able to visit elderly care institutions and institutions for the disabled to also deliver vaccines from the National Vaccination Program,” he revealed.

The program builds on the success of community pharmacies in providing COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic.

Minister Butler highlighted the critical role of pharmacists in increasing healthcare accessibility: “Pharmacies have proven their worth over the course of the COVID pandemic, with 12 million COVID vaccines delivered to pharmacies, paid for by the Australian taxpayer. ”

In addition to flu vaccinations, pharmacists will also provide other National Vaccination Program vaccines free of charge to residents.

“We only do this to further expand the role of community pharmacies and well-qualified healthcare professionals, but what is very important: providing that convenience, those cheaper medicines and vaccines to residents of elderly care and that convenience for healthcare providers in elderly care ” said Minister Butler. confirmed.

“Given the unpredictable nature of influenza, it is important that Australians make an appointment to receive their annual flu vaccine,” Minister Butler urged, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing serious illness.

With flu season approaching, the expansion of free flu vaccinations in aged care and disability facilities marks an important step towards protecting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians.