Community pharmacies can provide the RSV vaccine for free for eligible patients which will provide important protection during the winter months. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is encouraging those in higher risk groups, or who are concerned, to visit their community pharmacist.
“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline healthcare provider and at the forefront of efforts to protect our communities from these dangerous illnesses” Professor Trent Twomey National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia said.
“RSV can be incredibly dangerous, especially for babies. More than 7,000 babies each year are hospitalised with RSV related illness. This could be reduced with a simple vaccination between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy.”
The elderly are also at increased risk and especially for those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes; heart disease or lung conditions.
RSV Awareness Week (1–7 June), is focusing on ‘Protecting the Vulnerable from RSV’. RSV causes severe respiratory illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly during the colder months.
“Community pharmacists are on the frontline of accessible healthcare, helping families understand how to reduce the risk of RSV, recognise symptoms early, and seek the right care,” said Professor Twomey.
“Community pharmacies offer walk in services, enabling patients to visit at a time that’s convenient to them - and they understand the needs of their local community. Community pharmacists are ready to provide practical health advice that can make all the difference.”
“Our message is clear: visit your local community pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist for practical accessible health advice that can make all the different. It’s not too late to get vaccinated and be protected. Act now.”
For more information on RSV or to find a community pharmacy nearby offering the vaccination, visit Find a Pharmacy.