April is considered the best time to get the flu vaccine ahead of winter, and many patients will soon be heading to their local pharmacy to get their vaccination.
To prepare your practice and keep your community safe and healthy this season, you can:
- Register for Guild Corporate Health, if you haven’t already
- Update your service details on Find a Pharmacy to ensure you don't miss out on patient bookings
- Check in with your local aged care provider, if you have an existing partnership.
It’s also important to make sure your vaccine storage and cold chain management procedures are up to date, and to let your patients know what other vaccines are due or can be co-administered with the flu shot.
If you are operating in Queensland or Western Australia, your patients may already be eligible for free vaccinations under your state's vaccination program.
- The Queensland program runs from 1 March to 30 September.
- The WA program will open on 1 May and close on 30 June.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Immunisation Week runs from 24-30 April, and celebrates the success and history of vaccines by encouraging more people to get immunised sooner. For resources on how to talk to patients about vaccines, combat misinformation and learn more about vaccine safety, check out WHO’s online resources and join the campaign encouraging immunisation for all.
Vaccinations are one of the best defences against preventable diseases, including influenza. Act now to keep your patients safe and healthy ahead of another busy flu season in 2025.
