Confused about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations? Here’s where to start
Keeping you and your family up to date with vaccinations can feel daunting, but busy schedules, cost concerns and needle aversions shouldn’t mean you aren’t protected. Let’s address some common barriers to help make vaccinations a seamless part of your health routine.
I don’t know what vaccinations my family needs every year
In addition to the routine vaccinations recommended under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), annual vaccinations – such as flu and COVID-19 – are highly recommended to keep everyone protected.
I don’t know where to get flu or COVID-19 vaccinations
Getting vaccinated is easier than you might think. Pharmacies have been providing vaccinations since 2014, and in 2024, 2.2 million people got their flu vaccination at a pharmacy.¹
I can’t fit an appointment into my busy schedule
If you don’t have time to book your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, do you really have time to get sick? With walk-in appointments and same-day bookings available at TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies nationwide, it’s a convenient way to help protect yourself and your family.
I’ll just risk catching the flu or COVID-19
It might seem manageable to risk getting sick rather than taking a few minutes for a vaccination, but it can disrupt your life far more than a quick appointment ever could. If you do get sick, being vaccinated can help to reduce the length and severity, meaning fewer days away from work or school and getting back to everyday life sooner.
I’m worried about the cost
Costs can sometimes be a concern, especially when the cost of living is high. The good news is that many routine vaccinations, including for flu, are free for eligible individuals under the NIP, including children, seniors, and those with certain medical conditions.²
My child is afraid of needles
Needle phobia is a common concern among children – and many adults share this worry, too. Techniques such as language swaps can make vaccinations seem less intimidating and help children conquer their fear of needles.For example, instead of saying “shot” or “needle,” use words like “pinch” or “poke”.³
Your Pharmacist can help distract little ones, explain the process and answer any questions you might have. When you book a child’s flu vaccination, you can answer pre-appointment questions to help your Pharmacist make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Do I still need a COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary, free, and available to all Australians.⁴ While antiviral treatments are available for eligible people who test positive for COVID-19, a regular vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself against severe illness. Antivirals can only be prescribed by your GP and work best within five days of getting sick.⁵
How TerryWhite Chemmart can help
Your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process of getting vaccinated. Remember, vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from serious diseases.
Learn more about the vaccinations available from TerryWhite Chemmart
Keeping you and your family up to date with vaccinations can feel daunting, but busy schedules, cost concerns and needle aversions shouldn’t mean you aren’t protected.
Let’s address some common barriers to help make vaccinations a seamless part of your health routine.
I don’t know what vaccinations my family needs every year
In addition to the routine vaccinations recommended under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), annual vaccinations – such as flu and COVID-19 – are highly recommended to keep everyone protected.
I don’t know where to get flu or COVID-19 vaccinations
Getting vaccinated is easier than you might think. Pharmacies have been providing vaccinations since 2014, and in 2024, 2.2 million people got their flu vaccination at a pharmacy.¹
I can’t fit an appointment into my busy schedule
If you don’t have time to book your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, do you really have time to get sick?
With walk-in appointments and same-day bookings available at TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies nationwide, it’s a convenient way to help protect yourself and your family.
I’ll just risk catching the flu or COVID-19
It might seem manageable to risk getting sick rather than taking a few minutes for a vaccination, but it can disrupt your life far more than a quick appointment ever could.
If you do get sick, being vaccinated can help to reduce the length and severity, meaning fewer days away from work or school and getting back to everyday life sooner.
I’m worried about the cost
Costs can sometimes be a concern, especially when the cost of living is high.
The good news is that many routine vaccinations, including for flu, are free for eligible individuals under the NIP, including children, seniors, and those with certain medical conditions.²
My child is afraid of needles
Needle phobia is a common concern among children – and many adults share this worry, too. Techniques such as language swaps can make vaccinations seem less intimidating and help children conquer their fear of needles. For example, instead of saying “shot” or “needle,” use words like “pinch” or “poke”.³
Your Pharmacist can help distract little ones, explain the process and answer any questions you might have.
When you book a child’s flu vaccination, you can answer pre-appointment questions to help your Pharmacist make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Do I still need a COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary, free, and available to all Australians.⁴
While antiviral treatments are available for eligible people who test positive for COVID-19, a regular vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself against severe illness.
Antivirals can only be prescribed by your GP and work best within five days of getting sick.⁵
How TerryWhite Chemmart can help
Your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process of getting vaccinated.
Remember, vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from serious diseases.
Learn more about the vaccinations available from TerryWhite Chemmart