Pharmacy flu jabs easier for teens of anti-vaxxers

Teens can now get a flu jab at their local pharmacy without parental consent in a move to give greater access to teens of anti-vaxxers.

Teens of anti-vaxxers who want access to vaccines are now able to get the flu shot at their local pharmacy without parent or carer consent.

Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles said changes to the pharmacists drug therapy protocols allowed pharmacists to administer “specified vaccines to a person 16 years and older” without parental consent and included the flu, pertussis (whooping cough) and measles vaccines.

“Previously only GPs could vaccinate under 18s,” Mr Miles said.

Cleveland TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist Toan Ngyugen welcomed the change.

He said demand for the flu vaccine had already been “very large” with recent reports of increasing cases of the flu pushing up demand.

“We usually start getting inquires about February but certainly recent reporting has increased public awareness,” Mr Ngyugen said.

“We have been doing it for four weeks now and the market is escalating.”

Providing a Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm walk in service, Mr Ngyugen said vaccinations were essential in reducing the “likelihood of contracting the influenza virus and keeping herd immunity above 95 per cent”.

“Obviously the vaccine is protection for yourself but it is also protection for the community.”

Mr Ngyugen said people could drop in or book an appointment online at TerryWhite Chemmart.

TerryWhite Chemmart Cleveland staff have had a busy month administering flu vaccinations.

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Mr Miles said the amendments allowed younger Queenslanders to make their own decisions about getting vaccinated.

“This is a step in the right direction for Queensland to reduce the barriers for kids of anti-vax parents to gain access to vaccines for preventable diseases,” Mr Miles said.

“It also brings Queensland into line with other states and territories.”

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Pharmacy Guild Queensland Branch President Professor Trent Twomey said the change to allow patients over the age of 16 to be vaccinated by community pharmacists “arose from the Queensland parliamentary inquiry into community pharmacy last year”.

“This week, we have seen the strain on emergency departments throughout Queensland with

unprecedented diagnoses and admissions of influenza,” Prof Twomey said.

“While there are people at high risk of the flu, including those aged 65 and above, the flu can in fact strike anyone, even the young, fit and healthy.

“We must build “community immunity” against the flu through vaccination, which helps to not only protect ourselves but also our loved ones.”

Flu symptoms usually include:

• Headache

• High fever – 39 degrees or more

• Severe cough

• Chills

• Body aches and pain

• Extreme exhaustion

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

Source: TerryWhite Chemmart

TerryWhite Chemmart Cleveland staff are providing flu vaccines for anyone aged 16 and over.

Tips for keeping well this winter.

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow: Hands are a major transmitter of viruses and bugs. If you don’t have a tissue handy and you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Dispose of used tissues in a bin.

• Wash your hands regularly.

• If you’re sick, stay home. Avoid contact with others as much as possible while the infection is contagious. For adults this is usually around 3–5 days from when the first symptoms appear, and up to seven days in younger children.

• Boost your immunity in the lead up to and during winter: A holistic approach to supporting a strong immune system can include a balanced diet, regular exercise as well as taking evidence-based supplements.

Source: TerryWhite Chemmart