BE PATIENT is the call from Ballarat pharmacists, who are working fast to respond to the health department's call for early flu jabs.
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UFS chief pharmacist Peter Fell said said his pharmacies had already been inundated with people wanting to book for vaccinations.
Access to required stock for different vaccines was, in large, supplied via the health department and stock was still on its way.
Influenza vaccinations are traditionally recommended in late April to mid-May to be most effective during peak seasonal flu time in August.
This guideline changed last week and was reiterated by Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos during the week to better prevent people from contracting the flu and being exposed to COVID-19.
Mr Fell said appropriate supplies would not be far away and urged people to be patient.
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UFS will again be involved in the government's community flu program, allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations to those aged 16-plus.
Victorian pharmacists will now be able to administer approved vaccines through mobile and outreach services.
This will include measles-mumps-rubella, meningococcal ACWY and whooping cough-containing vaccines to people 15 years of age and older.
Appropriately-trained pharmacists can administer the flu shot to children as young as 10.
This is aimed to help take pressure off general practitioners' clinics.
Attending a pharmacy is a valid reason to leave the house under Victoria's stage three isolation restrictions.
UFS is working to launch a dedicated clinic for vaccinations to help take pressure off its pharmacies and better allow for social distancing measures.
Information on vaccinations will be updated via the not-for-profit pharmacy's social media channels and at the stores.
UFS has brought back 'old-fashioned' service to take your order and bring your products to the counter.
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