- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government is stepping up its efforts to see more young Victorians vaccinated against the flu.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos visited Westgarth Pharmacy today to announce children as young as ten will now be able to get their flu shot at the pharmacy, saving busy families a trip to the GP.
In 2016, the Labor Government made a host of vaccinations available at the pharmacy, giving families a close and convenient option to get their protection from whooping cough and the flu, but until now, children have had to be aged 16 or over.
Now, parents with children aged 10 to 16 will be able to visit the pharmacy for a flu shot. It’s great news for the 87 per cent of all Victorians who live within 2.5 kilometres of a pharmacist. For many Victorians, a trip to the local pharmacy is more convenient and less costly than a trip to the GP.
We know that immunisations save lives, and we want to ensure all Victorians can access the vaccinations they need, close to home and when they need them.
According to the latest data, 43,541 vaccinations were provided by pharmacists in Victoria in 2017/18, rising to more than 82,500 in 2018/19. The Government distributed more than two million doses of flu vaccine across the state this year.
The science is crystal clear, vaccinations save lives. That’s why the Labor Government has introduced tough ‘No Jab, No Play’ laws, and has made the flu shot free for all children under five in recent years because the Commonwealth wouldn’t.
As noted by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We know Victorian families are busy, and they don’t always have time to get to the GP for their vaccinations. This is another way we’re helping mums and dads protect their kids from the flu.”
“The vast majority of Victorians live just around the corner from a pharmacy, so this will make getting vaccinated against the flu just that little bit easier.”
“When it comes to vaccinations, the science is crystal clear: They’re safe, effective and they save lives. Never listen to anyone peddling lies and misinformation about vaccinations.”
