Most people will be required to get three vaccination shots in the coming months.
But the flu jab which is due to arrive at chemists over next two weeks can’t be within 14 days of the Covid-19 jab which starts rolling out this week.
The second Covid-19 jab should be between 4 weeks and 14 weeks after the first shot.
It’s a lot to take in.
But pharmacist Frank Uccellini who owns Terry White Chemmart at Browns Plains Plaza, says the juggling of extra vaccine shots shouldn’t be confusing.
Most people won’t be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations until May or June, well after the flu vaccines become available.
“So get your flu vaccination early,” Mr Uccellini said.
“Then you won’t have to worry. There will be plenty of time before most people can get the Covid-19 vaccination. The flu is still highly contageous and we don’t need a flu outbreak in light of what’s happening now. Covid-19 has been stressful enough for people.”
Frontline workers are first in line for Covid-19 vaccinations, starting to roll out in Queensland this week.
The elderly and those most at risk will be in the next group eligible for the vaccination, and the general population will follow.
Mr Uccellini said most pharmacies would offer Covid-19 vaccinations when the general public phase rolled out.
“We’ll need more training, but we’re ready, willing and able,” he said.
Pharmacists such as May Eoh and Rachael Weston, pictured on the front page, are ready to help.
Mr Uccellini said the government’s goal to offer vaccinations to all Australians by the end of October was ambitious given the number of logistical matters that were still being worked through.
It would take the federal health department another month to determine which pharmacies could take on the role to administer the vaccine.
In the meantime, now is a good time for people to book the flu vaccine, arriving at chemists on March 15.
Mr Uccellini said while some people might think they can skip the flu vaccine, it wasn’t a good idea.
He said due to Covid-19 restrictions last year, there were very few cases of flu.
“Get the flu shot done, then worry about the other.”
Health officials are saying the ideal gap between the two Covid-19 shots is 12 weeks, although they could be taken as close as four weeks apart. There would need to be at least 14 days between any vaccination shot, regardless of type.
“We’re not the guinea pigs here in Australia,” Mr Uccellini said.
“We are the envy of the world, so it’s really good that we’re doing this a bit later than everyone else. It helps us to learn.”
Terry White chief pharmacist Brenton Hart said: “People should not be lulled into a false sense of complacency about the influenza virus. It is highly infectious, and it is important for people to continue getting vaccinated and to plan now so they can be vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19 in a timely manner.
He said an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent yourself from getting the flu, and from then passing it on to someone else in the community.
“Almost seven million high priority workers and aged care staff and residents will be eligible to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination starting in February. These Australians will receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine which needs to be given in two doses, at least 21 days apart,” he said.
“Most Australians (over 13 million) will qualify to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination from early May, which will be the TGA approved AstraZeneca/University of Oxford vaccine.
This vaccine also needs to be given in two doses, four to 12 weeks apart.
“It’s important that people remember the health risks of the influenza virus – an incredibly infectious respiratory disease that can leave people unwell for a week or more, and in the worst cases, result in hospitalisation or death.
“When planning and scheduling the timing of their vaccinations, we encourage people to seek advice from their immunisation provider and to discuss their personal health circumstances with their GP or pharmacist prior to receiving their vaccinations.
“While protection from a flu vaccination is generally expected to last for the whole flu season, optimal protection against the flu is strongest and most effective three to four months after you are vaccinated.
“The flu season in Australia usually runs from June to September, peaking in August, although it has started earlier than June in some years and can occur year-round.
“While we may not know yet how the flu seasons are going to evolve on the back of COVID19, a flu vaccination remains a critical component in your arsenal against tackling influenza.”
