How Amcal Pharmacy Can Support You Amid the Rise of Whooping Cough, RSV, and Flu
Amcal pharmacies, with our extensive network and trusted reputation, is well-positioned to offer a range of services that helps local communities navigate these challenges. Here’s how Amcal Pharmacy is supporting the fight against these respiratory illnesses.
1. Your Vaccination Destination®
Whooping Cough and Flu Vaccinations: Amcal offers vaccination services for both whooping cough and the flu^. Ensuring you are up to date with vaccinations is essential in preventing the spread of these illnesses. Amcal’s trained pharmacists can administer these vaccines, providing a convenient and accessible option for individuals who might not visit a doctor’s office regularly.
You may be eligible to receive a free vaccination through the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy Program^:
- Free whooping cough vaccinations are available for pregnant women from 20 weeks.
- Free influenza vaccinations are available for young children (6 months-5 years), pregnant women, First National people (6 months and over), people aged 65 and over and people with certain medical conditions.
Speak to an Amcal pharmacist to learn more about each vaccine, whether it is recommended for you and the cost of administering one.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Preventive Measures
Your Amcal pharmacist can educate you and your family about preventive measures and the importance of seeking early medical advice for RSV in vulnerable infants, pregnant women and older adults.
RSV is a common cause of respiratory infection. While it mostly affects infants and young children, adults can also get sick from RSV and symptoms are usually mild. However, some children and adults can get very sick from RSV and may need to go to hospital for treatment. For those at higher risk of severe illness from RSV, an immunisation or vaccine may be available1.
A RSV immunisation or vaccination is recommended for the following groups2:
- Infants and young children (aged under 20 months)
- Women who are pregnant
- Adults aged over 60 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease
- First Nations adults aged over 60 years
- Adults aged between 60 and 74 years may consider RSV vaccination
- Adults aged over 75 years
Infants, young children and women who are pregnant can receive their immunisation or vaccine at their local birthing hospital or general practitioner.
Amcal’s trained pharmacists at participating Amcal pharmacies can administer the RSV vaccine to eligible adults in some states or territories. Speak to an Amcal pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine, whether it is recommended for you and the cost of administering one^.
Here are symptoms of RSV to look out for:
- runny nose
- cough
- wheeze
- fever
Seek medical care if symptoms persist, worsen or if there are any signs of serious respiratory infection.
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if your child shows severe symptoms like:
- difficulty breathing
- breathing very quickly
- grunting noises while breathing
- dehydration – when a child is not taking in enough fluid
- blue-coloured lips or skin.
2. Amcal Pharmacists are here to assist
Amcal serves as your information hub, educating the community on symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies for whooping cough, RSV and the flu. This includes:
- Symptom Recognition: Helping you understand the symptoms of these illnesses and when to seek medical attention.
- Hygiene Practices: Promoting handwashing, mask-wearing, and other hygiene practices to reduce transmission.
- Vaccination: Informing you about the importance of vaccinations in preventing illness and the vaccinations you can receive at Amcal pharmacies.
3. Amcal can help support and manage your symptoms
For individuals who contract these respiratory illnesses, Amcal provides various over-the-counter medications and health products to manage symptoms and support recovery. Pharmacists can provide personalised advice on:
- Cough Suppressants and Expectorants: For managing coughs
- Pain Relievers: To have on hand to relieve pain if you do get sick.
- Hydration Solutions: Products to maintain hydration, especially important for children and the elderly.
- Respiratory Aids: Such as humidifiers and saline nasal sprays to ease breathing difficulties.
4. Health Services
Medication Management: For patients prescribed antibiotics for whooping cough or antiviral medications for the flu, Amcal pharmacists can assist with medication management, ensuring adherence to prescribed regimens and providing information on potential side effects.
Chronic Condition Support: Patients with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to severe respiratory infections can benefit from medication reviews and management services to optimise their overall health.
Manage Your Health: You can manage your health with our easy Amcal app which is free and available to download now. If you or your family are sick, you can quickly and easily reorder your medications, pay in advance or have medication delivered to your home as well as manage your family’s medication through Carer Mode and set reminders to take medications.
Amcal supports local communities in combating the rise of whooping cough, RSV and the flu. Through comprehensive vaccination services, public health education, symptom management support, health services and community outreach, Amcal helps to reduce the impact of these respiratory illnesses on you and your family. Amcal plays a crucial role in promoting public health and ensuring you have what you need to stay healthy.
References:
NSW Government NSW Health Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [Internet]. Sydney NSW Government; 2024. Available from: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-syncytial-virus.aspx
2. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [Internet]. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; 2024. Available from: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
* This webpage is for general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, vaccination or a medical condition.
^Available at participating Amcal pharmacies, subject to availability and eligibility.
Last reviewed: July 2024.
Amcal Vaccination Destination
You could be eligible for free whooping cough and flu vaccinations.