SA launches pharmacy flu shot scheme

South Australians will be encouraged to get flu shots at their local pharmacy after the state recorded its worst influenza season on record.

There were more than 11,000 influenza cases in SA during 2014, surpassing the previous record set during a swine flu outbreak in 2009.

Health Minister Jack Snelling says the government will allow pharmacists to deliver flu shots in the hope of encouraging more people to get vaccinated.

The scheme is expected to begin at the end of March.

People eligible for free flu shots, including pregnant women, seniors and people with underlying health conditions, will still need to visit their GP to get vaccinated.