Pharmacists to play key role in COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Wednesday 13 January 2021
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes comments made by Health Minister Greg Hunt that pharmacists will be involved with the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, where they can met the requirements set by Government.
PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said PSA has been meeting with the Department of Health regarding multi dose vial administration and how to support clinicians with safe delivery of all approved vaccines.
“Pharmacists have a vital role to play when it comes to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines ensuring there is enough capacity in the system to allow the public to be vaccinated as quickly as possible.” he said.
“PSA has for some time urged all state and territory governments to amend legislation that will allow pharmacists to administer a COVID-19 vaccine and while some jurisdictions have made these necessary changes, others have been slow to act.”
“So, we call on state and territory governments where required to urgently change legislation in such a way that will also allow pharmacists to vaccinate in any setting to ensure there is wide and comprehensive uptake of the vaccine.
“A proactive approach to legislation amendments means that the entire available health care workforce, including pharmacists, will be able to undertake a large-scale vaccination program.
“Pharmacists are more than capable, qualified and willing to provide this service to ensure the large scale rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
In announcing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan, Minister Hunt pointed to the current network in place which achieved 17 million vaccinations last year, many administered by pharmacists.
It is expected the rollout of the vaccine will commence in mid-to-late February, broken down into five key phases.
Front line health workers including pharmacists will be part of phase 1 which will see over 6 million Australians vaccinated.
Media contact: PSA media 0487 922 176
