influenza Archives | AJP

Flu jab boost in under-65s could save lives: report

Megan Haggan — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:14:50 +0000

A new report looks at barriers to flu vaccines in NSW – including how pharmacies can help The new paper, from the NSW Productivity Commission, “illustrates the potential health and ...

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Free flu jab drive to roll out in WA

Megan Haggan — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:12 +0000

The PSA and doctors have welcomed a WA move to provide access for all to free flu jabs in pharmacy Western Australia’s McGowan Government has announced that it will offer ...

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Influenza in older adults and higher-immunogenicity influenza vaccines

Guest Author — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:00:48 +0000

As trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well-placed to provide education and improve health literacy around influenza vaccination, ensuring each patient receives specific and personalised advice and is comfortable with their ...

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Tassie flu jabs now in line with Covid vax

Megan Haggan — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:24:03 +0000

Tasmanian pharmacists will now be able to vaccinate children aged five and up – but pharmacists say more can be done The Rockliff Government’s has moved to allow pharmacists to ...

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Leading doc steers patients to pharmacy for jabs

Megan Haggan — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:30:38 +0000

Former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth has suggested pharmacy as the best place for the general public to get their flu and covid jabs, given the GP shortage ...

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Guild sees spike in vax training demand

Nicholas O’Donoghue — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:30:50 +0000

Changes to legislation authorising pharmacists in Queensland to administer influenza vaccines to children aged six-months and older is fuelling demand for immunisation training Updates to Queensland’s Medicines and Poisons Act ...

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Flu, COVID jab co-administration safe: FIP

Megan Haggan — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 07:11:56 +0000

New guidance from FIP highlights the role of vaccination and how pharmacists can advocate for it Vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19 ...

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Clinical tips: Influenza

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:05:31 +0000

Flu is back after the lifting of COVID measures, but vaccination rates need attention, writes Karalyn Huxhagen Since March 2020 people have been wearing masks, staying home and working behind ...

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A blitz on viruses

Chris Brooker — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:38:41 +0000

Pharmacy supplied oral antivirals a focus of government’s new campaign to boost COVID and influenza prevention, as uptake lags The Australian Government today launched an $11 million six-week campaign to ...

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Pharmacists may struggle with flu jab supply, one owner warns

Megan Haggan — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:13:12 +0000

Over 112k free flu vaccine bookings have been made in Queensland since the shots became free—but one jurisdiction has gone its own way on free jabs On Tuesday, the Pharmacy ...

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Free flu jabs: Pharmacists could do more

Megan Haggan — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 07:15:49 +0000

Tasmania has moved to offer free flu vaccines through pharmacies and GPs, but one stakeholder says state decisions are a “band-aid” approach Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Heath Jeremy Rockliff ...

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States line up for free flu jabs

Megan Haggan — Tue, 31 May 2022 06:57:56 +0000

But while the announcements have been welcomed by the pharmacy sector, a national solution is needed, one stakeholder warns NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia have all followed in ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 May 2022 14:12:09 +0000

A new Government and warnings of a terrible flu season… it’s been an interesting week Over the weekend, Australia ousted the Morrison Coalition Government and voted in Labor, led by ...

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NSW lowers flu jab age

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 May 2022 09:04:36 +0000

But the Pharmacy Guild warns that reports of fluctuating prices will be “going straight to the ACCC” The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s NSW Branch has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement ...

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‘Droves’ coming for free flu jabs

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 May 2022 07:06:27 +0000

Around 25,000 Queenslanders have hit up pharmacies for free jabs in only four days, as the warnings continue to the public of a severe season The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, ...

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Guild turns to TV to warn on flu

AJP Staff — Fri, 27 May 2022 04:17:08 +0000

The importance of getting a flu shot this season is being emphasised through the Guild’s television advertising campaign The campaign goes to air nationally from Friday, May 27. The advertisements ...

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Flu jab announcement came as a surprise

Megan Haggan — Thu, 26 May 2022 08:09:38 +0000

Pharmacists’ workload has increased with the further widening of vaccination in store – but no extra pay A spokesperson for the Queensland branch of the Pharmacy Guild has told the ...

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COVID jabs expanded

Megan Haggan — Wed, 25 May 2022 08:54:26 +0000

Eligibility for a winter COVID-19 booster is being expanded in a move welcomed by pharmacy, as the Guild talks free flu jabs beyond Queensland Acting Health Minister Katy Gallagher has ...

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Free flu jabs as A strain rises

Megan Haggan — Tue, 24 May 2022 00:10:58 +0000

An influenza A outbreak in Queensland has sparked a state government decision to make flu jabs free In a joint statement, Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and state premier Annastacia ...

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More jabs for Vic pharmacists

Megan Haggan — Fri, 20 May 2022 09:25:17 +0000

The pharmacy sector has welcomed the announcement that it can provide flu vaccination services to younger kids With the flu on the rise for the first time in three years, ...

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More pharmacy jabs for SA kids

Megan Haggan — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:20:08 +0000

Pharmacists in South Australia will now be able to immunise a wider range of people, the new Health Minister has announced Late last week South Australian Minister for Health and ...

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Fighting off a double epidemic

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 May 2022 09:46:38 +0000

Change continues in the pharmacy vaccination space, with a “winter booster” for COVID and a wider pharmacy presence in flu vax announced. So what else is in store for this ...

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Pharmacy pivotal in return to ‘post COVID normal’

AJP Staff — Fri, 06 May 2022 06:52:46 +0000

Community pharmacies across Australia reached another milestone with the seven millionth COVID-19 vaccine being administered by a community pharmacist on Friday National President of the Pharmacy Guild, Professor Trent Twomey, ...

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NIP pilot to improve access: Guild

AJP Staff — Mon, 02 May 2022 07:35:25 +0000

A new pilot will see certain regional pharmacies provide over-65s with flu jabs on the NIP More than 70 community pharmacies in Queensland have been invited to give National Immunisation ...

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‘The virus doesn’t stop because we’re tired of rolling up our sleeve.’

Megan Haggan — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:29:01 +0000

Alarming new statistics show low interest in this year’s flu jab, as a leading pharmacist warns against “vaccine fatigue” New research commissioned by the Immunisation Coalition has revealed that only ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 14:05:43 +0000

A host of pharmacy stars were shining this week, as we also took a look at remuneration and how pharmacists vaccinate against flu We looked at how the average salary ...

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Flu warning for Queensland

Megan Haggan — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:59:18 +0000

Pharmacists worry that increased access to flu jabs for Queensland children may be only temporary The PSA Queensland Branch has welcomed increased access to the influenza vaccine for Queensland children, ...

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Pharmacy jabs: the near future

Megan Haggan — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 04:12:02 +0000

Bivalent COVID boosters, a combined COVID and flu shot, and primary care taking on the entire vaccination framework – how could the near future look for jabs in Australia? With ...

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Tassie gets the NIP

Megan Haggan — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 06:19:50 +0000

The Tasmanian Government has announced that NIP-funded flu jabs will be available through community pharmacy The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Tasmanian Branch says it welcomes the state Government’s announcement that ...

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TWC celebrates million COVID-19 vaccinations

AJP Staff — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:55:06 +0000

TerryWhite Chemmart is again celebrating with a major vaccination milestone – delivering more than one million COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians TerryWhite Chemmart cited latest AIR data which says it is ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:06:44 +0000

Polypharmacy, the duration of scripts and women in pharmacy were all issues that came to the fore this week We kicked off the week with International Women’s Day, and the ...

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Flu forecast for 2022

Megan Haggan — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:03:26 +0000

Australia must brace for a potential resurgence of flu this year, as pharmacists ask to be able to vaccinate more people… plus this year’s strains Leading pharmacists have called for ...

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Flu rebound season likely

Megan Haggan — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 07:08:38 +0000

Vaccinators have been asked not to forget that other contagious and potentially deadly respiratory illness: it’s time to order flu jabs The Immunisation Coalition is urging healthcare providers, including pharmacists, ...

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Is pharmacy a vaccination barrier?

Chris Brooker — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:51:38 +0000

Study reveals GPs’ concerns over pharmacists’ participation in influenza vaccinations Pharmacist involvement is perceived by GPs to be a barrier to the effective delivery of influenza vaccination to high-risk adults ...

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A flu season with a difference

Chris Brooker — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:33:48 +0000

What impact is the COVID-19 vaccine rollout having on the uptake of the flu shot and how can pharmacists promote the importance of the influenza vaccine? According to the Australian ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 21 May 2021 14:05:50 +0000

All eyes turned to the Gold Coast this week as the Guild hosts APP2021, in a bumper week for pharmacy news We heard the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout ...

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Flu rebound warning accompanies launch

Megan Haggan — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:41:56 +0000

Greg Hunt has launched this year’s National Flu Vaccination Program, as new data shows one in four Australians don’t think they need the jab In a statement on Thursday, Health ...

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Clinical tips: Flu

Lisa Nissen and Esther Lau — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:01:04 +0000

There’s no room for complacency about the flu vaccine this year, write Esther Lau and Lisa Nissen Looking back on the last 12 months, COVID-19 has and continues to fundamentally ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:03:02 +0000

A stoush over whether pharmacists are offering the wrong flu vaccine took place this week, as the sector continues its focus on vaccination Medical Observer columnist Dr Pam Rachootin, an ...

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AMA ‘resorts to slander’ over vaccines

Megan Haggan — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:33:49 +0000

“One is left to wonder whether the pharmacy business model accommodates ethics,” a prominent GP writes, claiming pharmacies are giving over-65s the wrong vaccine Medical Observer columnist Dr Pam Rachootin, an ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:04:31 +0000

Vaccination against COVID-19 made the headlines again this week, following a second confirmed case of linked clotting disorder, and possibly a death Late this week, it was reported that a ...

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Flu vaccination down

Megan Haggan — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:17:37 +0000

One stakeholder has warned against apathy about the flu vaccine this year, as the TGA outlines the 2021 variants in the jab In this week’s edition of Pharmacy Guild newsletter ...

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Vaccinations 2021: what you need to know

Guest Author — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:36:13 +0000

Do pharmacists have indemnity cover for giving a COVID-19 vaccine? PDL has a full update on the 2021 vaccination season The 2021 vaccination season is upon us with many pharmacies ...

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What a difference a century makes

Chris Brooker — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 11:32:02 +0000

There’s widespread panic, restrictions and quarantines are in place, medicines are in short supply, false information is spreading, staff are getting sick and people are refusing to wear masks. Welcome ...

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Pharmacy key in low flu rate

AJP Staff — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 08:24:01 +0000

The WA branch of the Pharmacy Guild has highlighted the work the sector has done in keeping the rate of flu low in the 2020 season Influenza in Western Australia ...

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Clinical tips: COVID-19

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:28:32 +0000

Some pharmacies are almost in lockdown while others are barely acknowledging COVID-19 at all… this inconsistency confuses the public, writes Karalyn Huxhagen SA Health this week announced COVID testing in ...

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Flu, COVID-19 could still converge, say banners

Megan Haggan — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:09:52 +0000

New data show that more than 40% of respondents who had a flu shot earlier this year did so for reasons relating to COVID-19 Findings from the Amcal and Guardian ...

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NT pharmacists to vaccinate kids

Megan Haggan — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:12:40 +0000

Northern Territory pharmacists will now be able to provide flu vaccinations to children aged 10 and up, in a move welcomed by the Guild The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NT ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:16:27 +0000

As the sector waits for the 7CPA to be signed, GPs have complained about pharmacy and flu jabs, one stakeholder called for ‘sweeping change’ to pharmacy and there are new ...

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More flu vaccines on the way

Megan Haggan — Wed, 27 May 2020 07:45:30 +0000

The Health Minister says an additional two million flu vaccines will be available from this week, as TerryWhite Chemmart says it’s on track to vaccinate half a million Federal Health ...

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Give us the NIP

Megan Haggan — Mon, 25 May 2020 08:44:50 +0000

Another leading pharmacist has called for wider availability of NIP flu vaccines from pharmacies David Heffernan, president of the Pharmacy Guild’s NSW Branch, spoke out in local media over the ...

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Keeping ahead of the surge

Chris Brooker — Tue, 19 May 2020 09:33:51 +0000

Ramsay announces it has topped up flu vaccine supplies across its pharmacy network A recent supply of influenza vaccines has topped up stocks in Ramsay Pharmacies across New South Wales, ...

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Clinical tips: Flu

Lisa Nissen and Esther Lau — Fri, 15 May 2020 14:40:44 +0000

During the COVID-19 pandemic it’s more important than ever to flatten the flu curve, write Dr Esther Lau and Professor Lisa Nissen There have been a total of 20,340 laboratory ...

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Don’t work while sick, say study authors

Megan Haggan — Thu, 14 May 2020 08:06:53 +0000

A new study has shown that it’s very common to go to work with flu-like symptoms – and health care workers are no exception The authors of the study, which ...

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NSW to allow jabs outside pharmacy

Megan Haggan — Fri, 08 May 2020 06:30:14 +0000

The NSW Government has announced that pharmacists will now be able to administer vaccinations outside of a community pharmacy This means that the most vulnerable in the country’s most populous ...

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NRL flu jabs should set example

Megan Haggan — Thu, 07 May 2020 07:40:12 +0000

The Guild has welcomed comments by the Prime Minister that NRL players who don’t get a flu jab shouldn’t play Gold Coast NRL player Bryce Cartwright has stated that he ...

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A supply chain update

Megan Haggan — Fri, 01 May 2020 08:59:45 +0000

Wholesalers report further easing in demand for medicines, allowing replenishment of stock and improvement across the supply chain as a whole The National Pharmaceutical Services Association – the peak body ...

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Improve access to flu jabs: Guild

Megan Haggan — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 08:46:32 +0000

The AMA’s president has told Australians that there is “no need to pay for an inappropriate vaccine” for over-65s who want to be immunised against the flu Stakeholder groups are ...

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More stock, but it ‘won’t be instantaneous’

Megan Haggan — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:37:20 +0000

The Federal Government has announced that it has secured three million additional doses of flu vaccine, in a move welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild Health Minister Greg Hunt said in ...

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‘We can all be part of the solution.’

Megan Haggan — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:27:45 +0000

Doctor groups have expressed alarm at a drop-off in consultations, while pharmacists are providing the in-person component of services such as vaccination With the rapid growth in the use of ...

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Outreach for pharmacy vaccination

Megan Haggan — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:30:42 +0000

Victorian pharmacists can now administer vaccinations outside their normal location, says the state Health Minister While the state fights to slow the spread of coronavirus, Victorians need to protect themselves ...

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Aussies wary of double infection

Megan Haggan — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:23:09 +0000

Most Australians want to be vaccinated against flu this year to prevent a double infection with COVID-19 New data from the Immunisation Coalition’s annual survey shows that 62% of Australians ...

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‘Team effort’ needed for flu jabs this year

Megan Haggan — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 04:30:56 +0000

Doctors are urging patients to have their flu vaccines earlier than usual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said on Tuesday that ...

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Flu vax surveillance includes pharmacists for first time

Megan Haggan — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 07:00:27 +0000

A new pilot program aims to monitor the effects of influenza vaccines administered by pharmacists this flu season – and could potentially roll out to a coronavirus vaccine The new ...

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Protect the most vulnerable: Murphy

Guest Author — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 07:06:02 +0000

Australia’s chief medical officer has written an open letter to pharmacy about managing the flu season during the COVID-19 pandemic Dear Colleagues, As you would be aware from my recent ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:18:29 +0000

As toilet paper shelves empty out and worried Australians start to stockpile medicines, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continues to rise The Federal Government had some questions ...

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Another state expands flu jabs to younger kids

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:00:59 +0000

Pharmacy groups have lauded a South Australian decision to allow pharmacist vaccination of children as young as 10 State Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade has announced that South ...

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TWC names its best

Megan Haggan — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 06:21:37 +0000

TerryWhite Chemmart Charlestown Pharmacist Michael Minter has been named TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist of the Year for 2020 Announcing Mr Minter’s win at a gala evening awards as part of TerryWhite ...

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Flu vaccine: why aren’t pharmacists recognised?

Megan Haggan — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:38:17 +0000

Flu vaccines have been expanded under the NIP, with free vaccines for more children and a quadrivalent for seniors added – but in most jurisdictions, pharmacy still has no NIP ...

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More jabs could help if flu, coronavirus timing converges

Megan Haggan — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:55:45 +0000

Pharmacy groups have welcomed the NSW Government’s move to allow pharmacists to vaccinate 10-year-olds Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the move on Monday, saying that with the likely convergence of ...

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‘There is more work to be done.’

Megan Haggan — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:43:19 +0000

Queensland is set to allow pharmacists to administer travel vaccines, but one stakeholder says it’s not enough Queensland Health has announced that trained pharmacists in the state will be able ...

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SA considers flu jabs for 10-year-olds

Megan Haggan — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 06:40:43 +0000

South Australian pharmacists may be authorised to provide influenza vaccinations to children as young as 10 The Marshall Government says it is considering regulation changes to allow accredited pharmacists to ...

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Give us the NIP: Guild

Megan Haggan — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 06:21:01 +0000

Highlighting the horrific 2019 flu season, the Pharmacy Guild has again called for pharmacy access to the National Immunisation Program The Guild analysed this year’s flu season, which has been ...

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More pharmacist vaccinations for kids

Megan Haggan — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:21:34 +0000

Victoria’s Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos took to a Northcote pharmacy on Thursday to announce expanded pharmacy vaccination At the Westgarth Pharmacy, Ms Mikakos said that children as young as ...

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Flu jab more heart protective than quitting smoking

Megan Haggan — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 07:07:06 +0000

The Immunisation Coalition has warned Australians about the increased and significant risk of heart attack associated with the flu An estimated one in four lives lost this year to influenza ...

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Should NIP flu vaccines be extended to 50 year olds?

Megan Haggan — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 08:30:14 +0000

A new study has examined the effect of flu vaccine in preventing heart attack – while one expert warns of subpar overall uptake and the Guild calls for vaccine harmonisation ...

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The 2019 flu shot isn’t perfect – but it’s still our best defence against influenza

Guest Author — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 09:14:02 +0000

Lauren Bloomfield from Edith Cowan University reports on the efficacy of the 2019 flu vaccine Over recent months, reports of “a horror flu season” causing serious illness and death have ...

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It’s the season

Chris Brooker — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:28:26 +0000

Already the 2019 flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst years on record, due to the large number of influenza cases already confirmed As early as ...

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Cold chain criticism ‘embarrassing,’ says PSA head

Megan Haggan — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 07:16:28 +0000

A leading GP has expressed concerns about expansion of pharmacist flu vaccination in WA, including that cold chain management could be less stringent This week Western Australia’s Health Minister Roger ...

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WA pharmacists to vaccinate kids

Megan Haggan — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:26:11 +0000

Amid a “massive” jump in the number of flu cases recorded in Western Australia, the state Government has moved on pharmacist vaccination The move by the WA Government to allow ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:53:00 +0000

As flu grips the country, it’s been a busy week in pharmacy… There have been significant concerns about availability of the flu vaccine, with newly reappointed Health Minister Greg Hunt ...

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Pharmacy NIP vax could help address shortage: Guild

Megan Haggan — Fri, 31 May 2019 07:41:11 +0000

The current flu crisis only serves to highlight the need for national consistency in accessing vaccines through community pharmacies under the NIP, says a Guild leader The mainstream media continues ...

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More vaccines on the way

Megan Haggan — Wed, 29 May 2019 07:37:10 +0000

The Guild says pharmacies can still usually find flu vaccine stock, as the mainstream media reports on shortages The Guild says pharmacies can still usually find flu vaccine stock, as ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 24 May 2019 16:18:53 +0000

As Australia welcomed back the re-elected Morrison Coalition Government, there was still plenty happening in the world of pharmacy… In an Australian first, Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson announced that ...

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Expand our vax powers, say pharmacists

Megan Haggan — Fri, 24 May 2019 07:36:26 +0000

The Health Minister has again urged Australians to get a flu vaccine, as a Pharmacy Guild spokesperson in WA calls for pharmacies to be able to vaccinate children Pharmacy Guild ...

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Flu vax charges under scrutiny

Megan Haggan — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:24:20 +0000

Western Australian pharmacists are not presenting patients with inappropriate charges regarding the flu vaccine, says a Guild spokesperson An article which appeared in The West Australian on Wednesday criticised pharmacies ...

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Doc group ‘misguided and ill-informed’ on flu vax: Dowling

Megan Haggan — Tue, 21 May 2019 07:05:36 +0000

Doctor criticism of Tasmania’s decision to allow pharmacists to vaccinate 10-year-olds against flu reflects a “sad lack of understanding of patient needs,” says the Guild’s Tasmanian president John Dowling, president ...

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Pharmacists to vaccinate 10-year-olds

Megan Haggan — Mon, 20 May 2019 07:35:33 +0000

Winter is coming, and Tasmania’s plan to expand pharmacist-administered vaccination has it at odds with doctors Michael Ferguson, Tasmania’s Minister for Health, has announced the state’s Winter Demand Management Plan, ...

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Clinical tips: the flu

Ben Basger — Thu, 16 May 2019 16:50:04 +0000

Ben Basger shares ten things to know about Influenza Influenza is a serious problem. It is estimated to be responsible for 300,000 general practitioner consultations, 18 000 hospital admissions and ...

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‘People are dying and pharmacies can help.’

Megan Haggan — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:09:22 +0000

Amid surges of flu around the country, the Guild’s Trent Twomey is urging the Queensland Government to lower the age for pharmacist vaccination Meanwhile in South Australia, Professor Paddy Phillips, ...

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Hunt hopes for vaccine record

AJP Staff — Thu, 09 May 2019 07:56:46 +0000

The Health Minister says Australia is on track for a record number of flu vaccinations in 2019 More than 11.4 million flu vaccines have been released to vaccine providers to ...

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It’s a ‘really strange’ year for the flu

Megan Haggan — Wed, 08 May 2019 07:15:43 +0000

Experts suggest that the quiet 2018 flu season may be a contributor to this year’s early surge, and that 2019 could surpass 2017’s bad season The quiet 2018 flu season ...

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Don’t spread anti-vax messages: AHPRA

Megan Haggan — Wed, 08 May 2019 07:13:50 +0000

AHPRA has reminded health practitioners about their responsibility to support public health programs like vaccination, as measles and flu cases rise The regulators spoke out on Wednesday in order to ...

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Keeping up to date

Chris Brooker — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 19:09:12 +0000

PBAC reveals the latest raft of new recommendations made on PBS drugs The latest recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee have been released, with new listings for naloxone ...

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Flu vaccine pitfalls

AJP Staff — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:31:42 +0000

The most common reason pharmacists are reported over flu vaccination is regarding the age of the recipient, says PDL In its latest practice alert, PDL has taken a look at ...

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Chemist Warehouse vaccinates Health Minister

Megan Haggan — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 07:00:56 +0000

Health Minister Greg Hunt turned to community pharmacy, not doctors, for his flu vaccination this year Amid a 2019 flu season which is gathering early steam, Mr Hunt took the ...

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ACT pharmacists get the NIP

Megan Haggan — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:48:17 +0000

The ACT is the latest jurisdiction to expand the availability of vaccination by trained pharmacists The ACT Government has announced that appropriately trained community pharmacists will now be able to ...

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Give us the NIP: Queensland Guild

Megan Haggan — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:17:36 +0000

Queensland pharmacists are now able to vaccinate 16-year-olds, amid an early start to this year’s flu season Trent Twomey, Queensland branch president of the Pharmacy Guild, welcomed the Queensland Government’s ...

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Clinical tips: vaccination

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 15:18:48 +0000

Karalyn Huxhagen looks at the timing of flu vaccines and why locums should invest in vaccination training Well, we are off and running, and the world is now a better ...

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100 years later, why don’t we commemorate the victims and heroes of ‘Spanish flu’?

Guest Author — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:00:51 +0000

by Peter Hobbins, University of Sydney At Sydney’s enormous Rookwood Cemetery, a lichen-spotted headstone captures a family’s double burden of grief. The grave contains the remains of 19-year-old Harriet Ann ...

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How pharmacy helped in this year’s flu season

Megan Haggan — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 21:40:53 +0000

Record numbers of Australians were vaccinated against flu this year – and the Health Minister has pointed out pharmacy’s involvement Greg Hunt has announced that Australia experienced the lowest rates ...

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What role do pharmacists play in flu management?

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 19:00:17 +0000

An article has looked at whether pharmacists could successfully initiate antiviral therapy and refer for more serious conditions in community pharmacy settings Could pharmacists initiate antiviral therapy in the community ...

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AMA vaccination attitude ‘infuriating’

Megan Haggan — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 06:33:30 +0000

Leading pharmacists have expressed disappointment at doctors’ reaction to the announcement of expanded pharmacist vaccination in Victoria And stakeholders in NSW remain disappointed at the lack of similar announcements in ...

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Two-thirds of Aussies want more pharmacist vaccines

Megan Haggan — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 20:00:37 +0000

Victoria has announced vaccination reforms which will see pharmacists able to administer vaccines to 16-year-olds The announcement comes as new PSA research reveals that almost two-thirds of Australians believe ...

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Flu vax rates jump

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 07:19:01 +0000

The ACT has released its flu vaccination figures to date, revealing vaccination rates have skyrocketed Around 60% more influenza vaccines have been delivered into the ACT community this year, compared ...

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Shortage proves pharmacy’s worth

Megan Haggan — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 06:13:33 +0000

The shortage of flu vaccines highlights how important pharmacist vaccination is becoming, says one pharmacy group Advantage Pharmacy says that it has experienced “overwhelming” demand for flu vaccines across its ...

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Flu jabs soar

Megan Haggan — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 01:27:33 +0000

Flu vaccinations in pharmacy have nearly doubled in April and May this year, says MedAdvisor The organisation says that MedAdvisor pharmacies have recorded more than 80,000 flu vaccinations via PlusOne ...

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NIP vaccines on the way in WA

Megan Haggan — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 22:29:37 +0000

Community pharmacies in Western Australia are set to receive additional flu vaccines on the NIP for over-65s The Pharmacist Influenza Vaccination Trial has already seen pharmacists make a significant contribution ...

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Clinical tips: diabetes and flu

Lisa Nissen and Esther Lau — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 15:28:32 +0000

People with diabetes need a sick day management plan before they fall ill, write Esther Lau and Lisa Nissen The 2018 flu season is on track to be one of ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 25 May 2018 16:40:45 +0000

It’s been a busy week in pharmacy, with change on the horizon and potential changes suggested from several quarters We heard that Queensland will look into a range of issues ...

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TWC continues flu vaccination as states ration doses

Megan Haggan — Thu, 24 May 2018 08:32:42 +0000

Flu vaccines are being rationed in NSW and Victoria, following a significant increase in demand Victorian health minister Jill Hennessy called on the Federal Government to become more organised about ...

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Pharmacist flu shots better than nothing: Gannon

Megan Haggan — Wed, 23 May 2018 08:18:31 +0000

“Farming off” elements of healthcare to pharmacy means patients will lose out on health promotion opportunities, says outgoing AMA president Dr Michael Gannon In an interview with Tim Shaw on ...

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Older patients having flu vaccine twice

Megan Haggan — Tue, 22 May 2018 08:20:49 +0000

Misleading media reports have prompted Queensland Health to reassure older Queenslanders that the high-strength trivalent is their best bet against the disease There have been reports that older Queenslanders have ...

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Record number of flu vaccines not enough

Megan Haggan — Tue, 22 May 2018 07:49:24 +0000

“Unprecedented demand” for flu vaccination has led to a shortage which the Health Department is now trying to address A number of recent surveys – by the Pharmacy Guild, the ...

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Clinical tips: Immunisation

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 17 May 2018 15:27:53 +0000

Karalyn Huxhagen takes aim at the price war and lack of state cooperation in pharmacist immunisation Immunisation in pharmacy definitely has reached the first stage but there is more to ...

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Why consumers avoid the flu jab

Megan Haggan — Wed, 09 May 2018 08:41:54 +0000

Disbelief that the flu vaccine works and “not getting around to it” are the top reasons why half of Australian adults won’t get a flu shot this year A survey ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 20:04:02 +0000

The Fair Work case was a hot topic this week, as was the perennial topic of flu vaccination The Pharmacy Guild‘s George Tambassis wrote to members explaining the organisation’s submission ...

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A third of Portuguese get flu jab in pharmacy

Megan Haggan — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 08:26:53 +0000

FIP is marking World Immunization Week by posting on social media about how pharmacists help boost vaccine coverage International Pharmaceutical Federation president Dr Carmen Peña has announced that the organisation ...

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New flu vax milestone for Queenslanders

Megan Haggan — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 03:36:21 +0000

Guild members in Queensland have been given new status when it comes to flu vaccination The Pharmacy Guild’s Queensland Branch now has Preferred Supplier status with the State Government for ...

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Convenience supports NIP access: Guild

Megan Haggan — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 04:01:21 +0000

Pharmacies should have access to flu vaccines under the National Immunisation Program, says the Pharmacy Guild In a statement today the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said that it is encouraging ...

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Flu jabs mandatory for aged care workers

Megan Haggan — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 23:05:50 +0000

All staff in residential aged care homes will be vaccinated against influenza, the Health and Aged Care Ministers have announced The provision of influenza vaccination programs to all staff in ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 19:17:36 +0000

This week saw the Health Minister show pharmacy a lot of love, as debate about pharmacy and flu continues This week Health Minister Greg Hunt answered a number of questions ...

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The ‘three Cs’ that prevent flu vaccination

Megan Haggan — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 07:54:30 +0000

A new study by the Immunisation Coalition has shown that less than half of Australian adults plan to get a flu shot this year… and convenience is a factor The ...

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Is this why you don’t have NIP access?

Megan Haggan — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 07:58:30 +0000

One flu expert has shed some light on one of the reasons pharmacists don’t have access to NIP flu vaccines Recently Pharmacy Guild Victorian Branch president Anthony Tassone spoke out ...

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‘The flu season is well and truly upon us.’

Megan Haggan — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 08:30:31 +0000

The busy start to the 2018 flu season should halt the “mixed messages” about vaccination coming from some doctor groups, says the Guild president In a message to Guild members, ...

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Are pharmacists being left out in the cold this winter?

Anthony Tassone — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 18:00:20 +0000

Pharmacists should be allowed access to NIP flu vaccines to boost the number of people vaccinated and increase herd immunity, writes Anthony Tassone Warnings that this year will see another ...

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Flu cases higher than this time last year

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 18:00:19 +0000

Meanwhile a Brisbane doctor has broken ranks with colleagues, saying people should get their flu jab now There have been a total of 10,474 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza in ...

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Vaccine safety, efficacy most important message: AMA

Megan Haggan — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:29:42 +0000

Tasmanian children are the latest to get free flu vaccinations, as debate circulates about when to get the jab Tasmania’s Minister for Health, Michael Ferguson, has announced that children from ...

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Flu jabs no place for turf war: Guild

Megan Haggan — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 08:55:15 +0000

Not all doctor stakeholders share the belief that pharmacist vaccination may put patients at risk, says the Guild’s David Quilty Writing in this week’s edition of Pharmacy Guild newsletter Forefront, ...

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2018 flu vaccine advice

AJP Staff — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 07:13:20 +0000

Ahead of their availability being made to doctors from April, the TGA has advised on this year’s flu vaccine The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee reviewed and evaluated data relating to ...

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Half don’t plan to get flu vaccine: Guild

Megan Haggan — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:22:46 +0000

The Guild is encouraging Australians to take flu seriously and get vaccinated, as it reveals half of Australian adults don’t plan to do so this year Despite the severity of ...

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Pharmacy attacked over flu vax fees, timing

Megan Haggan — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 06:55:19 +0000

The national AMA president has suggested pharmacies lack the professionalism of GPs when it comes to flu vaccination The AMA is throwing its weight behind recent calls by the RACGP ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:41:10 +0000

Several stakeholders have taken aim at pharmacy this week… but others have expressed support for what pharmacists do The ACTU has called for changes to employment rules which would see ...

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When does paracetamol overuse spike?

Megan Haggan — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 07:01:12 +0000

Americans are more likely to take too much paracetamol during cold and flu season, new research has found Researchers from Massachusetts and New Jersey set out to estimate the prevalence ...

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Compulsory vaccination for NSW hospital health workers

Megan Haggan — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:56:53 +0000

Pharmacy groups have backed the announcement of compulsory vaccination for health workers who treat vulnerable patients This week NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, unveiling the State Government’s flu strategy, said ...

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‘Let’s just make sure we’re getting everybody.’

Megan Haggan — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 07:54:12 +0000

Raising immunisation rates, not the timing, is the key priority in flu vaccination, says the PSA’s Shane Jackson Dr Jackson was responding to a call this week by the RACGP ...

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Non-GP vaccinators accused of increasing flu risk

Megan Haggan — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 07:25:03 +0000

The RACGP has criticised flu vaccine providers who are encouraging patients to be vaccinated now The group’s president, Dr Bastian Seidel, says is concerned that “some influenza vaccine providers” are ...

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Pharmacists neglected in pandemic planning

Megan Haggan — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 07:02:11 +0000

Pharmacists are a “largely untapped” resource in flu outbreaks and their role should be specified in pandemic planning, says one expert The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association’s Deeble Institute for ...

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Improved flu vaccines fast-tracked after ‘horrific’ season

Megan Haggan — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:53:54 +0000

Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced the introduction of two new trivalent vaccines specifically aimed at protecting people aged over 65 He also announced the composition of the 2018 quadrivalent ...

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Flu hits hard in US

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 03:12:13 +0000

Fifty-three children have died due to influenza so far, with pharmacies scrambling to keep up with demand for flu meds A total of 14,676 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalisations have been reported ...

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Docs call for free flu jabs for all

Megan Haggan — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 07:02:57 +0000

The RACGP is calling for free vaccinations for all Australians, following NSW’s announcement of free jabs for under-fives Children between six months and five years old will be eligible for ...

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Poll: do you go to work when sick?

Megan Haggan — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 07:49:11 +0000

How sick do you have to be to take time off work? A recent US study suggests that pharmacists are the most likely of the health professionals to front up ...

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Pharmacists working with flu-like illness

Megan Haggan — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 07:28:45 +0000

Pharmacists are the worst culprits when it comes to working while sick, new data suggests A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control showed that more than 40% ...

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Budget vaccine blamed for record flu season

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 01:00:03 +0000

Immunisation Coalition chair Professor Paul Van Buynder has suggested that a cheap version of the flu vaccine may have influenced 2017’s “disaster year” This year’s iteration of the flu vaccine ...

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What will the 2018 flu vaccine include?

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:30:18 +0000

The TGA has accepted committee recommendations for next year’s flu vaccine, which brings a new virus strain into the fold While this year’s flu season – one of the worst ...

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Confirmed flu notifications surpass 200,000

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000

This year’s flu cases are more than double those of 2015 As of 16 October there have been a total of 212,365 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza in Australia this ...

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Call to extend NIP to pharmacies

Megan Haggan — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 06:52:06 +0000

This year’s severe flu season has highlighted that pharmacy can do more to help boost vaccination rates, says the Guild’s David Quilty And extending the National Immunisation Program to pharmacy ...

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Tamiflu shortage resolves as flu infections slow

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 07:00:07 +0000

Flu numbers are finally on a downward trend amidst worst flu season on record – with nearly 200,000 confirmed cases As of 2 October, there have been 192,542 influenza cases, ...

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Flu study shows pharmacists increased coverage

Megan Haggan — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:32:36 +0000

A national approach to pharmacist-administered vaccines could help boost immunisation rates, one pharmacy academic says The University of Sydney’s Professor Peter Carroll, who with colleague Jane Hanrahan investigated how influenza ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 18:18:52 +0000

Recognition for pharmacists was an issue this week: whether in terms of consumer awareness or pay The week started by recognising the important work pharmacists do, with World Pharmacists’ Day; ...

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Flu vaccination expansion needed

Megan Haggan — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 06:43:24 +0000

The 2017 flu vaccine was well matched to the circulating strains – yet appears to have been less effective than usual Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy said in a ...

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Lib Nat government would fund free flu vaccines

Megan Haggan — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 08:03:56 +0000

Victoria’s state Opposition has committed to free flu vaccines for all kids, should it win the next state election Shadow Minister for Health Mary Wooldridge announced that a Liberal Nationals ...

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Flu is a tragic illness. How can we get more people to vaccinate?

Guest Author — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 08:00:29 +0000

Influenza has traditionally been the underdog of vaccine-preventable diseases, write Julie Leask and Samantha Carlson Julie Leask, Associate Professor, University of Sydney; Samantha Carlson, Research Officer for the National Centre for Immunisation Research ...

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Tamiflu shortages across pharmacies

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 05:19:12 +0000

The government has released some Tamiflu stock from the National Medical Stockpile to help bolster national supplies during worst flu season on record There is currently a shortage of Tamiflu ...

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Aged care workers to get mandatory flu jabs?

Megan Haggan — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 02:32:55 +0000

A new initiative to boost vaccination rates among aged care workers has been launched amid figures which reveal our worst flu season on record The latest figures from the Immunisation ...

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Australia shivers through severe flu season

Megan Haggan — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 05:57:57 +0000

Experts have called for greater access to and takeup of flu vaccination, as Australia endures a likely record-breaking season But this doesn’t extend to pharmacies being able to vaccinate children ...

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Flu on the rise

Megan Haggan — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 05:29:41 +0000

The severity of this year’s flu season can’t be written off as just an increase in reporting, an expert says According to Department of Health and Ageing statistics, there have ...

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Govt prepares for pandemics, bioterrorism

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 03:21:14 +0000

Millions in funding to go towards detecting high-risk contagious diseases and biological agents of security concern The federal government is allocating $27 million towards the planning and response for a ...

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Four of the most lethal infectious diseases of our time and how we’re overcoming them

Guest Author — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 01:38:29 +0000

Four of the most lethal infectious diseases of our time and how we’re overcoming them Spanish flu killed more people than the Great War that preceded it. And tuberculosis even ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 17:05:11 +0000

Pharmacists could be forgiven for having an identity crisis this week, after a slew of analogies were used to criticise the sector First, pharmacists’ scope of practice was compared to ...

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Flu jab program nets over $41k for Queensland pharmacies

Megan Haggan — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:07:17 +0000

Queensland pharmacies have delivered more than 1500 flu vaccinations to state employees The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch has announced the success of the 2017 Guild Corporate Vaccination Program, ...

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‘Busy battlers’ keep going despite winter ills

Megan Haggan — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 04:48:12 +0000

Worrying attitudes towards colds and flu have been highlighted by a new survey Nearly 40% of Australian adults prefer to “push through regardless” and carry on as normal when they ...

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Last days for flu jabs

Megan Haggan — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 01:16:50 +0000

Australians have less than a week to get the flu vaccination if they want protection, an expert says “Flu is here,” says Professor Robert Booy, Professor of Infectious Diseases at ...

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Test could identify at-risk flu patients

Megan Haggan — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 04:12:57 +0000

Australian researchers have developed a world-first test to identify which influenza patients will need urgent, life-saving medical treatment The High-risk Influenza Screen Test (HIST) measures “an early warning signal” released ...

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Clinical tips: the common cold

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 20:40:38 +0000

Pharmacists can help people with colds understand the importance of not ‘soldiering on,’ writes Karalyn Huxhagen Today was a bitterly cold, rainy and dark day in my home town. The ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:20:48 +0000

We take a look back at the week in community pharmacy This week, penalty rates were back on the agenda, as the Fair Work Commission announced the phase-in dates for ...

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A shot in the arm

Chris Brooker — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:38:23 +0000

Sizeable proportion of MPs put their arms on the line in support of pharmacist-administered vaccinations Almost one in five federal politicians have given the best possible support for expanded ...

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Clinical tips: influenza

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 18 May 2017 19:52:12 +0000

Vaccination gives pharmacists more ability to educate consumers about the flu, writes Karalyn Huxhagen The flu season is well and truly here. Pharmacy vaccination services are increasingly being utilised across ...

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Flu vaccine won’t definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it’s more important than you think

Guest Author — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 00:40:53 +0000

Flu vaccine won’t definitely stop you from getting the flu, but it’s more important than you think While the flu vaccine cuts your chance of coming down with influenza, that’s ...

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Could we be facing a flu pandemic?

Guest Author — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 00:51:41 +0000

The number of new flu viruses is increasing and could lead to a pandemic, say Australian epidemiologists C Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Head of the School of Public Health and ...

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DDS supports kids with flu jabs

Megan Haggan — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 04:23:24 +0000

Discount Drug Stores is encouraging consumers to get their flu jabs and help protect children at the same time The banner group is supporting the health of impoverished children in ...

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Forum: Cheap flu vaccine not for high-risk patients

Megan Haggan — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 18:12:51 +0000

“Please correct me if I’m wrong, but this vaccination expert is effectively stating that any influenza vaccine currently available in Australia, being as I read it, the 2016 vaccine, should ...

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Avoid ‘cheap’ pharmacy vaccination, high-risk patients told

Megan Haggan — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 03:56:00 +0000

High-risk patients should wait for a free vaccine, instead of getting a “cheap” flu jab at the pharmacy, flu experts have said In a piece in MJA InSight, head of ...

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2017 flu vaccines confirmed

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 03:00:59 +0000

The Federal Government has secured a supply of new vaccines to protect against four strains of influenza virus for this season This year’s quadrivalent influenza vaccines will cover two A ...

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First interns to start intern year with flu jab accreditation

Megan Haggan — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:30:28 +0000

University of Sydney Master of Pharmacy graduates undertake accredited influenza vaccination training Recently registered intern pharmacists from the University of Sydney’s Master of Pharmacy degree program this week completed the ...

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A shot in the arm

Chris Brooker — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 01:03:01 +0000

New study provides another boost for the reach and efficacy of pharmacist influenza vaccination A wide range of Australians who would otherwise not be vaccinated against influenza would do so ...

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Flu jab in pregnancy not linked to autism spectrum disorders

Megan Haggan — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 17:04:41 +0000

A large study has found no evidence of a link between flu vaccination during pregnancy and an increased risk of children developing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) Researchers looked at the ...

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2017 flu vaccine strains announced

Megan Haggan — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 04:47:52 +0000

The flu viruses to be included in the 2017 Australian vaccine have now been announced. The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee with the TGA in Canberra to recommend influenza viruses to ...

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Here’s the current state of flu in Australia

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:00:34 +0000

Spread of flu across the country remains at generally low levels, although government says it’s too early to call potential severity of the season The geographic spread of influenza activity has ...

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T-cell discovery brings universal flu jab closer

Megan Haggan — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 03:52:32 +0000

Researchers are one step closer to creating a universal, one-shot influenza vaccine following the discovery that T cells, essential in the immune response to influenza, can recognise and attack emerging, ...

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ACT flu jabs off to a galloping start at Wanniassa

Megan Haggan — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 17:00:32 +0000

An ACT pharmacy which played a strong role in the push for pharmacist vaccination in the Territory has vaccinated 30 Canberrans in the seven days since its service opened. Staff ...

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New flu guide as Victoria eyes MBS access

Megan Haggan — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:00:42 +0000

The Influenza Specialist Group has developed a 2016 Influenza Guide for Pharmacists which has been endorsed by the Guild, the latter reports in Forefront today. According to the guide, pharmacists ...

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Vic flu, pertussis jabs expected soon: PSA, Guild

Megan Haggan — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:00:14 +0000

The PSA and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have been working with the Victorian Government and local health authorities to progress a pharmacist-administered vaccination program, the two groups said in ...

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Pharmacy key in more jabs than flu: Kourtis

Megan Haggan — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:00:47 +0000

Community pharmacy is becoming a vital vaccination provider, says Samantha Kourtis, proprietor of the award-winning Charnwood Capital Chemist, in welcoming the news that Canberran pharmacists will be able to offer flu ...

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Northern flu season a sign for Australia: Terry White Group

Megan Haggan — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 04:40:42 +0000

The Northern Hemisphere flu season is highlighting the importance of Australians receiving the quadrivalent vaccine as the best possible protection against the 2016 flu season, says The Terry White Group. ...

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Flu jabs come to ACT pharmacies

Megan Haggan — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 01:28:09 +0000

ACT community pharmacists have been given the green light to administer flu vaccinations to their patients in time for the upcoming flu season. The President of the Pharmacy Guild of ...

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First Tasmanian pharmacists ready to vaccinate: PSA

Megan Haggan — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 01:06:59 +0000

The first pharmacists have undergone immunisation training in Tasmania to enable them to provide vaccinations for the coming flu season, the PSA says. The Tasmanian Government last week reformed health ...

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Tassie flu vaccination a win as training soars: PSA

Megan Haggan — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 03:13:04 +0000

A decision to allow trained pharmacists in Tasmania to administer influenza vaccines to adults has been welcomed by the PSA. Under changes to Tasmanian health regulations announced yesterday, trained pharmacists ...

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Flu shot comes to Tasmanian pharmacies

Megan Haggan — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 02:54:36 +0000

Pharmacists in community pharmacies across Tasmania will now be able to administer the flu shot to their customers. The President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian Branch John Dowling, ...

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UK research report backs pharmacy flu vaccination

Megan Haggan — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 02:13:01 +0000

Pharmacy flu vaccination services complement services GP services and can help vaccinate more at-risk patients, according to a new UK research report. The report, appearing in the International Journal of ...

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NIP flu jab to be quadrivalent vaccine in 2016: Ley

Megan Haggan — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 22:58:57 +0000

Vulnerable Australians will get free access to a quadrivalent flu vaccine in 2016 following a record number of reported cases this year. Minister for Health Sussan Ley says the Government ...

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Discount Drug Stores raises over $15k with flu vaccinations

Megan Haggan — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 06:06:01 +0000

Discount Drug Stores has announced the company raised over $15,000 for charity partner Free To Be to help disadvantaged children in India. Discount Drug Stores administered over 7,000 flu vaccinations ...

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Health Minister cautions as flu cases soar

Megan Haggan — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 06:32:41 +0000

New figures that show Australia is experiencing a particularly bad flu season – with cases up by over 50% in 2015 compared to the same time last year – have ...

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Consumers confused over quadrivalent flu vaccines

Megan Haggan — Tue, 12 May 2015 06:52:14 +0000

With two influenza vaccine formulations available this winter, NPS MedicineWise is reporting a spike in calls to its Medicines Line from consumers confused about the difference between the two options, ...

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Vaccination Café returns in Melbourne

Megan Haggan — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 06:22:30 +0000

Inner North West Melbourne Medicare Local today offered flu vaccinations with a cup of coffee and a couple of biscuits for $12, as it held its second Vaccination Café. The ...

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SA encouraged to visit pharmacy for flu vaccine

Megan Haggan — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:47:54 +0000

South Australian health minister Jack Snelling has encouraged Australians in his state to be vaccinated against flu, announcing that more than 50 pharmacists in South Australia can administer the flu ...

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Pharmacists could give more jabs: QPIP report

Megan Haggan — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:15:27 +0000

Pharmacists could administer more vaccines than those currently delivered in the community setting, the final report on Stage One of the QPIP initiative suggests. The QPIP pilot demonstrated that a ...

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QPIP leader baffled by GP call against pharmacist jabs

Megan Haggan — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 06:41:55 +0000

A call by doctor groups to “take a stand” against pharmacist vaccination is puzzling, says Tim Logan, Queensland Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild and leader of the Queensland Pharmacist ...

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Pharmacy flu vaccination needs high standard: ISG

Megan Haggan — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 06:07:05 +0000

Pharmacists who provide flu vaccination services need to be visibly held to the same standards as GPs when providing the service, says a leading flu specialist – and they can ...

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Window narrowing for flu vaccination

Megan Haggan — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 06:27:37 +0000

Australia’s leading influenza expert body is urging Australians to book a flu vaccination, with influenza cases already at significantly higher levels recorded than this time last year. The government-funded flu ...

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