More Tasmanians can now access free and subsidised influenza vaccines, thanks to a partnership between leading not-for-profit health and wellness organisation St Lukes and Terry White Chemmart pharmacies. This includes a rebate for the new FluMist nasal spray vaccine for children, which is not funded by Medicare or the National Immunisation Program.
There were 9,376 confirmed cases of influenza in Tasmania last year, more than double the 4,058 cases reported in 20241. St Lukes Chief Operating Officer Darren Harris said the case numbers showed the urgency of keeping up to date with vaccinations.
“There’s a nasty strain of the flu going around on the mainland known as Super-K, which spreads more quickly than usual and has driven a faster, earlier case surge than previous years,” he said.
“It comes off the back of Tasmania’s worst flu season on record, and vaccination uptake is far too low. Our own records show only 5,255 St Lukes members took up the flu shot benefit last year. We’re concerned about vaccine complacency and we know cost of living pressures are heightened at the moment, which is why we’ve partnered with Terry White Chemmart to make the vaccine more affordable and accessible.
“The good news is that this year’s flu vaccine has proven effective against the Super-K strain, and it’s not widespread in Tasmania yet. People can act now and take this simple, preventive measure to keep their families well through winter.”
Through the agreement, eligible St Lukes members – around 80,000 Tasmanians – can book a vaccine appointment via the Terry White Chemmart booking platform and receive their standard flu vaccination completely free. For FluMist for children aged two to 17 years old, or for influenza vaccinations from GPs or other pharmacies, members can claim up to $25.95.
The Tasmanian government is not offering FluMist for free as in some other states, making a dose around $60 without the St Lukes rebate – which covers almost half the cost.
Pharmacist Helen O’Byrne from Terry White Chemmart Riverside said this year’s flu vaccine stock had arrived at chemists and GPs statewide.
“When people get vaccinated for respiratory diseases like influenza and COVID-19, it has a herd effect – the more people we can vaccinate, the safer the whole community,” she said.
“This is especially important if you’re around vulnerable loved ones, like babies or older people.
“April into early May is a good time to get vaccinated, because it will give you good coverage across the flu season right through to spring. You can get the RSV and COVID-19 booster at the same time, helping you avoid or reduce the severity of serious respiratory illnesses, and help stop the spread.”
Providing access to and improving affordability of influenza vaccines is all part of St Lukes’ vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
Pharmacists in Tasmania can administer influenza immunisations for anybody over two years of age. Younger Tasmanians and some at-risk cohorts are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program, which can also be accessed through their GP.
St Lukes members can learn more here.
1 National Notifiable Disease Surveillance Dashboard: https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
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Contact: Emily Woodgate, Timmins Ray PR – 0412 828 802 | emily@timminsray.com.au