Pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccinations surge, reaching 500k

Pharmacists across the country have achieved yet another significant milestone in the vaccine rollout, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

Pharmacists have now administered over 500k COVID-19 vaccines through community pharmacies, this is in addition to the many thousands administered by pharmacists in vaccination hubs, General Practice and other settings.

The National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), A/Prof Chris Freeman, commended Australia’s pharmacist immunisers for their continued efforts, and welcomed the additional 1 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, announced by the Morrison Government yesterday.

“In just a few short weeks, pharmacists have administered over half a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Australians – and I applaud all of the country’s pharmacist immunisers for their dedication to protecting their communities, especially those in hotspot areas where the risk of exposure remains high.

“With Moderna becoming available exclusively in community pharmacies over the next few weeks, and with pharmacists now allowed to vaccinate those over the age of 12 with Moderna, we expect these numbers to grow rapidly.

“PSA commends Minister Hunt and the Morrison Government for securing an additional 1 million doses of supply, ensuring that the first group of approved Australian pharmacies are well stocked with Moderna in order to protect their communities against this disease.

“As the data shows, pharmacists have put a significant dent in vaccination targets already – and with increased vaccine choice, they will play a significant role in further reducing the ambivalence and hesitancy amongst their local communities.

“As there is now a third of eligible Australian’s vaccinated with two doses, we have some way to go before we can rest easy, but I know the pharmacist profession is up to the challenge,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA looks forward to the rollout of the Moderna vaccine and is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA CSI Week: The Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice Forum

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has officially opened its Communities of Specialty Interest (CSI) Week, launching the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) CSI.

The CSIs are an important way for members to help contribute toward, and debate key issues affecting the sustainability of the profession. For a long time, members have been calling for a forum to support collaboration, innovation, and strategic progression of various clinical practice areas in pharmacy. 

PSA members may apply to join a CSI group and benefit from the strategic advice, support, and dedication of its leadership and practice groups. PSA members are critical to the future of pharmacy and to the evolving roles and remuneration within the profession.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, officially opened CSI Week.

“PSA21 saw the successful launch of the Early Career Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest, and I am delighted to announce the opening of CSI Week today. 

“These CSIs provide an opportunity for PSA members to discuss and advise the PSA of current and emerging practice needs and specialty interests of pharmacists. 

“The principle focus of the CSIs is to provide a pharmacist’s perspective in a defined practice area, and to support the vision and mission of the PSA relating to that practice. 

“Today, we are announcing the first group of the week, and second in the sequence, the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice CSI. This group is now live, and I strongly encourage all PSA members practicing in community pharmacy to sign up and have your voices heard,” A/Prof Freeman said. 

CCPP CSI Chair, Dr Fei Sim, announced the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice forum.

“There has been a paradigm shift in community pharmacy practice. To meet the needs of patients, consumers, and the overall health system in Australia, the role of community pharmacists has expanded beyond medicine supply.

“The CCPP-CSI aims to identify and articulate the complexities, opportunities, and challenges facing community pharmacy within contemporary practice environments. The forum seeks to identify where further support is needed for pharmacists as they face significant organisational, economic and technological change.

“This group serves as a platform to enable community pharmacy practice development in an effective and sustainable manner moving forward.

“Community pharmacists can no longer be reclusive in our practice, and we need to work together to gain the roles, recognition, and remuneration we deserve – and we are in it together.

“Pharmacies and pharmacists are integral to local communities. Whilst the pandemic has highlighted the invaluable and paramount role played by community pharmacists, it has accentuated gaps in our practice which warrant improvement.

“This CSI group serves to bring passionate, invested, and interested members together to debate and guide future development of this practice area. I call on you, our PSA members, to join the CCPP CSI Group, and be in this journey to make waves and a positive impact,” Dr Sim said.

To register for the CCPP CSI, please visit psa.org.au/csi. 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

QLD pharmacists ready to immunise +12 years against COVID-19

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch welcomes advice from Queensland Health this week that pharmacists will be able to administer the Moderna vaccine to Queenslanders 12 years and older.

Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine is expected to start arriving at approved Queensland pharmacies by the end of next week, and in all approved pharmacies by the end of September.

PSA Queensland Branch also welcomed the removal of barriers in age and location of where a pharmacist immuniser can administer COVID-19 vaccines, allowing a greater number of pharmacists to contribute to the rollout, improving vaccine accessibility for Queenslanders.

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, welcomed this announcement.

“Queensland needs the entire immunisation workforce to come together in order to meet COVID-19 vaccination targets, and this new advice from Queensland Health allows pharmacists to play an even greater role in the vaccination strategy.

“The Palaszczuk Government was the first to allow pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. It is great that Queensland is again showing leadership, with pharmacists able to administer any TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, in all location’s vaccines are provided, to all TGA-approved ages during the pandemic to support the COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

“PSA Queensland has a proud history of working productively with the Queensland Government and will continue to work closely with Queensland Health to maximise the utilisation of pharmacists,” Mr MacDonald said.

Approved pharmacies offering the Moderna vaccine from 12 years and older will be loaded on the COVID-19 Eligibility Checker later this month https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

R U OK? Day: Ask your pharmacist if they’re ok

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the Australian public to check in with their local pharmacist, and reminds all pharmacists that support is available.

Today, 9th September, is R U OK? Day, the annual occasion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others navigate through difficult times in their lives.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, paid tribute to the efforts of Australian pharmacists since the pandemic began, and drew attention to the stresses that they face on a daily basis.

“If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it is the extreme stress that is placed on healthcare systems and the healthcare workforce, including pharmacists.

“Pharmacists, as Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, are subjected to immense pressure every day of the week. Comparatively low wages, extended working hours, constant regulatory and practice changes, along with verbal and physical abuse from patients are all contributing factors leading to burnout within the profession.

“Pharmacists in all settings are dealing with frequent out of stocks, considerable changes to workflow, and wearing of PPE to reduce the risk of transmission to themselves, their team and their patients. In order to meet rapidly changing demand, they are having to rationalise medicines and medical equipment for the most vulnerable patients, adding another level of stress to an already demanding job.

“Given the high degree of risk associated with our profession, pharmacist welfare is something that is often overlooked. Most of us have seen footage in the media where pharmacists or pharmacy staff have been threatened by violence, and whilst these aren’t common occurrences, it is unnerving nonetheless.

“Working as a pharmacist is not an easy task, and the perception that individual pharmacies generate significant revenue is not the case – it is a very fine line between success and failure, and pharmacists are some of the hardest working members of the health care team. Challenges that they face have significant flow on effects for their staff, family, and Australians seeking accessible care.

“Pharmacists have stood tall during the pandemic, keeping their doors open so patients can continue to access their medicines experts, particularly when other health professionals were not available.

“The welfare of Australian pharmacists will always be the number one priority for the PSA.

“I would also like to remind everyone that PSA offers support and professional advice through our Pharmacist to Pharmacist Support Line on 1300 369 772, in addition to the Pharmacists’ Support Service on 1300 244 910.

“I call on all Australians to be mindful of the pressures that their pharmacists face and encourage you all to ask your pharmacist if they’re ok – remembering that a conversation can quite literally change a life,” A/Prof Freeman said.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Time to remove NIP influenza barriers in QLD

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch calls for expanded access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines through community pharmacy.

At present, those over the age of 65 are not able to access the ATAGI-preferred influenza vaccine from their local pharmacy, as it has only been available through General Practice in recent years.

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, said that creating more opportunities for patients to access immunisations from pharmacists will improve the health and wellness of Queenslanders.

“As we prepare for 2022, allowing community pharmacist immunisers to provide NIP-funded influenza vaccines will increase vaccination rates and herd immunity to influenza within the state, preventing death and hospitalisations in those aged over 65 years.

“As we have seen since pharmacists started providing influenza vaccines, immunisation rates have risen in the adult population overall.

“Currently, over 20 percent of this age group is not vaccinated against influenza. We expect that expanding access to vaccinations will see a 10-20 percent increase in coverage for the over 65 population.

“As we have seen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pharmacists are a critical part of the vaccination workforce. It is time to align the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers,” Mr MacDonald said.

PSA will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Australians.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Rapid Antigen Testing needed to keep pharmacy doors open

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) calls on the NSW Government to introduce funded Rapid Antigen Testing for pharmacists and their staff to ensure the vital care they offer to the community can continue.

As frontline healthcare workers, the welfare of our pharmacists affects the health and welfare of the community. By introducing Rapid Antigen Testing for pharmacists and their staff, pharmacists will be able to monitor their workforce more closely and get back-to-work sooner after a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure, ensuring access to medicines is not disrupted.

PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, said: “As we move into a new phase of the pandemic with significantly higher case numbers, Rapid Antigen Testing will need to play a significant role in reducing isolation periods of pharmacists and identifying infection prior to onset of symptoms in high risk settings.

“This approach is desperately needed in rural areas. Many of our regional communities are already facing significant workforce shortages. They do not have the resources or flexibility to cope when employees need to isolate for extended periods. Given that PCR test results are currently taking five or six days to be returned, this potentially closes a pharmacy for an entire week.

“With community pharmacies being one of the most frequently listed public exposure sites, pharmacy employees in hot spot areas face growing concerns about contracting COVID-19 and taking it home to their families. Pharmacists have done a great job in protecting their staff and the community from exposure to COVID-19 in community pharmacy, by wearing of PPE and practicing distancing measures. Rapid Antigen Testing is another vital tool to further protect pharmacy staff and ensure pharmacies remain open to service their communities.

“Rapid Antigen Testing can also be used as additional surveillance testing in areas of sustained community transmission. Currently this would be akin to Sydney’s LGAs of concern and regional outbreak areas such as Dubbo, Bourke and Broken Hill. But as we move into Phase B and Phase C of the reopening plan, where case numbers are much higher, there is a significantly greater need for surveillance testing of health care workers including pharmacists,” Ms Felkai said.

Whilst pharmacies that are identified as exposure sites will still need to close for deep cleaning, Rapid Antigen Testing will allow community pharmacies to bring their workforce back sooner while awaiting PCR test results. Returned in less than 15 minutes, negative tests will provide health authorities and community pharmacies with the confidence to reopen sooner, to ensure their communities continue to have access to their medicines and health services such as vaccinations.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

States must remove barriers to allow Pharmacists to administer Moderna to adolescents

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes today’s confirmation from the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce that pharmacists will be administering Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, to adolescents aged 12-15 years. With supply imminent, PSA now calls on states to immediately remove barriers, by updating their standards and regulations to allow this to happen.

At present, vaccine regulations in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania prevent pharmacists from administering Spikevax to those aged between 12 and 17 years.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, called for states to act fast to ensure pharmacists can get on with the job and administer COVID-19 vaccines in line with TGA approvals.

“Pharmacists have played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to-date. With community pharmacists exclusively set to receive the first doses of Moderna around the country, it is crucial that they can administer the vaccine to individuals aged between 12 and 17 years from Day 1.

“This is a race, and pharmacists, as one of our most accessible healthcare workforces, must continue to play a key role in vaccinating younger Australians.

“Pharmacists should be allowed to vaccinate with all TGA-approved vaccines in all practice settings,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA has supported pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public since local pharmacies were activated, and will continue to advocate for maximal access to these highly effective vaccines.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

International Overdose Awareness Day: Time to act.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges International Overdose Awareness Day and calls for naloxone to be PBS-subsidised without a prescription.

Today, 31^st August, marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s leading annual campaign striving to end overdose.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, commended the campaign.

“PSA strongly supports the International Overdose Awareness Day campaign and we applaud the work they have done over the past twenty years.

“Most of us know of someone whose life has been affected through overdose and we must do all we can to end this public health crisis.

“To do this, awareness must be raised of the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose,” A/Prof Freeman said.

He went onto discuss how pharmacists can prevent further loss of life through improving accessibility to naloxone.

“Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse opioid overdose, allowing enough time for an ambulance to arrive.

“Whilst it is now available over the counter across the country, the price of this medicine puts it out of reach for many, and a prescription is required in order to receive the PBS subsidy. The current process is simply not working in the best interests of those who need it most.

“Whilst we welcome short term trials to improve access in New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia, this does not go far enough.

“We need to improve access to this life-saving medicine through all pharmacies across all jurisdictions, by making it the first pharmacist-initiated and supplied PBS item – in doing so, we can decrease the amount of deaths from overdose.

“Pharmacists are Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, now is the time to act to make naloxone not only more easily accessible, but affordable – something that will see countless lives saved in Australia,” A/Prof Freeman said.

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

‘Healthcare doesn’t just happen in hospitals’; PSA calls for NSW’s mandatory vaccination health orders to be expanded to all health staff

While the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) supports the NSW Government’s decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for all the state’s hospital workers, it contends the requirements do not go far enough.

Yesterday, 26^th August, the Berejiklian Government made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all NSW health workers in hospitals, aged care and ambulances – with first doses being required as of 30 September and second doses by 30 November.

In applauding the decision, PSA NSW Branch President, Chelsea Felkai, urged the NSW Government to go much further.

“I commend the Berejiklian Government’s decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for NSW health workers in hospitals. This is an important move, and NSW has led the nation on this. But I cannot understand why the public health order does not apply to health workers in primary care – such as community pharmacists and general practitioners.

“Frontline health care doesn’t just happen in hospitals. It happens in community pharmacies and medical centres. They are an equally high risk of transmission, as evidenced by their frequent appearances on exposure site lists.

“All health care workers and the community should be able to have confidence that everyone working to support health has heeded the health advice. That is, being vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients,” Ms Felkai said.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, agreed, and called all other jurisdictions to get moving.

“The actions taken by the NSW Government are a step in the right direction, protecting health care workers and mitigating the risk of further transmission in high-risk primary care settings.

“It is appropriate that requirements for vaccination are consistent across all high-risk settings, such as health care – rather than being left as a decision for individual businesses and service providers.

“PSA asserts that the requirements must apply in all patient-facing settings, where pharmacists and other health care workers practice – including hospitals, community pharmacies, aged care, general practice and ACCHOs.

“Of course, we recognise there are a very small number of people who have genuine medical contraindication to vaccination. We must continue to support these people in our workforce and work with them on the safest role they can play, whilst maximising those immunised around them,” A/Prof Freeman said.

PSA calls on all state and territory governments to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health workers.

For more information on vaccination requirements for NSW health workers, please visit this link.

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463