Community pharmacists will be able to provide free flu vaccinations within aged care facilities from 29 April, under an initiative announced today by Health Minister Mark Butler.

The National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program will also cover other NIP vaccines, with the Pharmacy Guild and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia both welcoming the news.

Flu cases this year are 40% ahead of the same time 12 months ago, with Pharmacy Guild National Vice President, Nick Panayiaris saying the move will "give aged care residents the protection they need in what could be the worst flu season on record".

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Executive Officer, Steve Morris, said the PSA had been advocating to expand access to funded vaccination services to all pharmacists practising in all locations.

"The expansion of the NIPVIP program to include pharmacists practising in residential aged care facilities and in disability care will drastically improve the specialised care pharmacists provide to these patients," Morris said.

More details in Monday's issue of Pharmacy Daily.