Did you know that as of January 2019 Pharmacists in NSW can now give a wider range of vaccinations?
This legislation change allows pharmacists who have completed additional professional training to give vaccinations
against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus (dTpa) as well as the influenza vaccine to those over the age of 16.
This is an exciting change for pharmacists and the community. As pharmacists we are ideally positioned to provide vaccination services. We are easily accessible, cost effective and convenient, no appointment needed! We are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of service and regular contact with patients allows us to identify at risk groups, provide early intervention and referrals when issues are identified.
Why are vaccinations so important?
Vaccinations protect individuals and the community from the deadly consequences of contracting the above conditions. When you receive a vaccination, you not only protect yourself but also protect those who for medical reasons cannot be vaccinated. This is called herd immunity.
Who benefits from this change?
We have already seen in 2018 that pharmacist immunisations contribute to higher vaccination rates, with significantly fewer deaths and hospitalisations being attributed to this. Everybody has individual circumstances in regards to their vaccination history. For example, many people born between the late 1960s and 1980s actually remain unvaccinated or are only partially immune to measles, mumps and rubella.
Call in to Parkes Pharmacy to discuss how this change can benefit you or to receive that booster shot you just didn’t get!