Looking to ensure more Australians receive the influenza vaccine in time for the winter flu season, community pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is holding over 100 flu vaccination clinics in the majority of its stores from March through to May.
Following the pharmacy brand’s 2013 campaign, which helped to protect thousands of Australians against influenza, Discount Drug Stores is hoping to encourage more Australians to arm themselves against the serious virus.
Professional Services Manager at Discount Drug Stores, Casey Clark states the clinics are specifically designed for busy, working Australians who are too time poor to get to the GP for a vaccination against the flu.
“Due to time or the belief that they won’t come down with the illness, they may not be as proactive about protecting themselves against influenza as they should be,” she said. “We understand that people are often busy, which is why we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for Australians to protect themselves against the flu season.
“The vaccination consultation only takes 5 minutes,” Ms Clark continued. “It doesn’t require a prescription and most of our stores are conveniently located meaning people can quickly visit us on their lunch break or between errands to get immunised.”
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health, 12% of influenza cases in 2013 resulted in sufferers having to be admitted to hospital.
Known to strike down healthy Australians, leaving them bed ridden for weeks, Ms Clark hopes more Australians will take preventative action against the flu that’s symptoms include severe exhaustion, body aches and nausea.
“It only requires about twenty minutes of your day, compared to a fortnight of being incapacitated if you come down with the virus,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s about prioritising your health so that you or your loved ones don’t get struck down by preventable illnesses like the flu.”
Ms Clark continues stating it is just as important for young adults to get vaccinated as it is for children and the elderly as it ensures they’re not putting their loved ones at risk.
“The biggest issue is that people in this group forget that they could transfer it to a loved one who can suffer severely,” she explained. “The influenza virus is very contagious and can easily be spread to co-workers, family and friends. Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure that you’re not only protecting your health but those of your family and friends as well.”
The flu vaccination campaign is just one of many services Discount Drug Stores provides to its customers, with the brand also offering medication management, and annual hearing and bone density testing clinics to name but a few.
Discount Drug Stores flu vaccination clinics will run from March to May. All vaccinations will be administered by a qualified immunisation nurse and require patients to undergo a 5 minute consultation, followed by a 15 minute observation period. Bookings are essential. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
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