Immunisation — how does it fit into health in later life?

As we age, the natural defences of our body will decline. In some cases, the reserve or strength we once had to combat illness will also dwindle.

One important way that we can sure up our ability to fight infection, and lessen the impact of illness at any stage of life, is to receive an immunisation (vaccination).

Immunisations form part of the holistic treatment by your healthcare team. A qualified pharmacist immuniser, can help to identify any recommended vaccinations, as well as administer them when appropriate.

The team at Glen Medicine can assess, recommend and administer a number of immunisations that may be beneficial. A need for immunisation can be identified at a Home Medicine Review, or through one of our other services.

Immunisations which fall under a pharmacists scope include:

• Annual influenza (flu) vaccine
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine for those over 70 years. With low uptake, there is a priority to identify those in need.
• Covid19 boosters, to be given annually to people over 65. This increases to 6 monthly after the 75th birthday (ATAGI recommendations, May 2025).
• A 2 shot course of shingles vaccine which is recommended after the 65th birthday.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination (patient funded), is a new addition to the list for those over 65.

If a gap in immunisation coverage is identified during a Home Medicine Review, the credentialed pharmacist will make recommendations during the visit and through the report they send to the referring doctor.