Pharmacy Daily reports, free influenza (flu) vaccinations are being offered to all employees of one of New Zealand’s largest supermarket chains – Countdown. The chain’s in-house pharmacists will administer the vaccine to 18,000 staff. Australia’s Woolworths Group, Countdown has 177 stores New Zealand-wide, including 15 additional in-store pharmacies since 2012.
Given the rising prevalence of flu each year, more people are encouraged to get vaccinated. While Countdown is poised to make substantial profit from this venture, this is a move that has been vehemently opposed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia for many years now. With them arguing that this could be a potential threat to the viability of current pharmacy owners.
The flu is a serious respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalisation and in the worse cast, prove fatal. Countdown’s move definitely could encourage more employers to consider offering the vaccine at no cost to their employees, to minimise employee absenteeism.
Regardless, the flu should be taken seriously and we encourage everyone to visit their local pharmacy or GP and get vaccinated.