Community pharmacies gear up for flu season

Community pharmacies across Australia are preparing for increased demand for influenza vaccination services updating services, resources and patient information as they begin receiving vaccine stock for the 2026 influenza season.

Community pharmacies across Australia are beginning to receive vaccine stock and prepare for delivery of influenza vaccination services ahead for the 2026 influenza season commences.

Influenza A viruses are expected to predominate, with A(H3N2) strains — including the H3N2 subclade K — or “Super K” — circulating more widely.

These Influenza A strains may lead to increased transmission; they are known to mutate more frequently, spread easily, and cause more severe illnesses than Influenza B strains, as well as posing a higher risk of complications in older adults.

Prevention of disease is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications such as older people in Australia, young children, people with chronic conditions and pregnant women; and everyone can help reduce the risk of transmission by getting vaccinated — where influenza vaccination is considered appropriate.

Community pharmacies will again play a central role in prevention, early access to vaccination and provision of patient advice on additional precautions to reduce the risk of influenza transmission — particularly for older people in Australia, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women and families with young children.

To support patient engagement and the promotion of vaccination services, the PGA has developed a suite of member-exclusive flu vaccination marketing resources.

Pharmacies can ensure vaccination service listings are accurate and visible through Find a Pharmacy by updating their pharmacy details in myGuild, making it easy for patients to find and book appointments.