Free flu jabs will be made available to everyone in New South Wales from Wednesday in what authorities are describing as a "month-long blitz" to combat what is anticipated to be a horror winter for influenza.
There has already been a huge surge in flu infections, with more than 1,100 reported cases of respiratory illness in the past week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.
Usually only high-risk groups of people are eligible for free flu shots, but the state government has decided to pick up the tab for everyone in a bid to curb the massive rise in infections.
They will also be available through pharmacies as well as GPs, to make it easier for people to access vaccinations.
"We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly," NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said.
Dr Chant said now was the time to book your flu shot if you are in aged or disability care, over 65 or immunocompromised.
"We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time," she said.
Pharmacies have also been given the approval to administer flu vaccines to children aged five.
'Pragmatic move' for better coverage
The Pharmacy Guild said chemists are gearing up for the rollout of the program from June 1 until June 30, and believes supplies of the flu vaccine will no longer be an issue with millions of extra doses made available.
NSW branch president David Heffernan said offering free flu shots to everyone through pharmacies is a very "pragmatic move".
"We're seeing increasing hospitalisations through this influenza-A strain of the virus, and it has come earlier than it usually does," he told the ABC.
"We often see the peak influenza season to be in the months of July, August, and September, but we've seen a rapid spread now that we've got the borders open to the northern hemisphere's strain of influenza again.
Mr Heffernan said on Friday the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had approved up to 16.8 million additional doses of the flu vaccine, on top of the original 7 million doses.
He said patience was key as GPs and pharmacists expect a large uptake in vaccine bookings.
"We are geared up ready to go and we expect between 1200 to 1400 pharmacies will participate on top of GPs in the community.
"I know a lot of families will welcome it, especially those under cost of living pressures."
