Guild calls for free flu vaccination program in community pharmacies

With around double the number of flu cases already recorded in Victoria compared to the same time last year, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch, is urging the State Government to fund a free flu vaccination program in community pharmacies.

"We’re calling on the State Government to fund an ongoing free flu vaccination program in community pharmacies,” said The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch President, George Tambassis.

“Free flu vaccines will eliminate the cost barrier for patients and ensure all Victorians have access to affordable vaccines during the cost-of-living crisis.”

On the back of Australia’s highest recorded influenza season to date in 2024*, nearly 11,000 influenza cases have already been recorded in Victoria in 2025** underscoring the urgent need for preventative health measures.

“Flu vaccinations are an important preventative health measure to protect people against contracting the flu, which often leads to hospitalisation placing further pressure on already overstretched emergency departments,” Mr Tambassis said.

Community pharmacies are the most frequently accessed and most accessible healthcare destination, and the majority of Australians live within 2.5 kilometres of their local pharmacy.

“Victorians can conveniently access their local pharmacy to obtain their flu vaccinations, so the Guild is now calling on the State Government to remove the cost barrier to being vaccinated for this and future flu seasons.

“Funding a free flu vaccination program in community pharmacies would be a significant investment in the health of all Victorians,” Mr Tambassis said.

-ENDS-

* Australia Sees Record-Breaking Influenza Season Amid Declining Vaccination Rates (immunisation Coalition)

**Influenza Statistics (Immunisation Coalition, 7 April 2025)