HCi Flu vaccination program
// HCi ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
HCi flu vaccination program for 2023
Enabling eligible HCi members access to a free flu vaccine from a Pharmacy Guild pharmacist.
// HCi FLU VACCINATION PROGRAM
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory (airways) infection. It affects people of all ages. Although it is often a mild disease, it can also cause serious illness in otherwise healthy people.
Getting the flu vaccine
By getting vaccinated against the flu, you can avoid getting sick, feeling miserable and missing school or work. The flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19, but having the flu could make you more vulnerable to catching COVID or have to miss out on things due to COVID-like symptoms. Besides, who wants to risk having COVID and the flu at the same time!
Having flu vaccination also helps protect other people, especially those who are too sick or young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the flu will spread.
// 2023 HCi FLU VACCINATION PROGRAM QUESTIONS
How do I book into the 2023 HCi flu vaccination program?
We’ve made it easy! Just visit the special booking form on The Pharmacy Guild site, choose the location and time that suit you, then book! The pharmacy will confirm your booking and look forward to seeing you for your flu vaccination.
Am I eligible for the 2023 HCi flu vaccination program?
HCi will cover the cost of a flu vaccine for all HCi members who
- have HCi extras or hospital and extras cover
- are between 10 and 65 years of age
- are not eligible (or eligible and unable to easily access) for a free flu vaccine provided by a state or federal Government
- have the 2023 flu vaccine between 1 April and 28 July 2023.
Does this include the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is free from the Government so there is no need for HCi’s vaccination program to cover this. If you have not had all your COVID-19 vaccine doses, you can get this at the same time as your flu vaccine.
When can I receive my flu vaccine?
The period of peak influenza circulation in Australia typically occurs between June and August, and it is recommended that vaccination occurs before the influenza season starts. Advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) may change slightly from year to year, but vaccination usually commences in April when the seasons updated vaccine stock becomes available.
Pharmacy Guild chemists are providing flu vaccines from 1 April 2023, and the HCi vaccination program commences at the same time. Appointments will be available at various times, depending on your local pharmacy hours. You need to have your vaccine on or before 28 July 2023 for it to be covered by HCi.
What happens at the vaccination?
Once you arrive, you will need to show some identification to the pharmacist – but there’s no need to show HCi membership or vouchers for this program. Then, you will receive your flu vaccination without any need for swabs or antiseptics.
Afterwards, you will be asked to wait for about 15 minutes to be sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. Then you go home – easy!
Do I have to put in a claim with HCi?
No. By booking through the Pharmacy Guild link above, we will be notified of how many members were vaccinated and pay for them in bulk. How easy is that – no paperwork, no fees, no flu!
However, if you can’t access a Pharmacy Guild chemist in your area, you can still make a claim. We will cover up to $20 per eligible person covered by an HCi extras policy for a 2023 flu vaccine if you don’t use the nominated booking system. Just submit your claim to us by email or via our claiming app before 31 July 2023
Who is The Pharmacy Guild of Australia?
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (The Guild) is the peak national organisation representing community pharmacies in Australia. There are more than 5,700 associated pharmacies spread across Australia.
Through member pharmacies, The Guild has several years’ experience in the administration of influenza or flu vaccinations. For more information, please visit www.guildcorporatehealth.com.au.
