Pfizer to be available from community pharmacies within weeks, as booster announcement welcomed by PSA

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to provide access to the Pfizer vaccine, including as a six-month booster shot, through pharmacies.

 

Today, the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, confirmed that Pfizer doses will shortly be available through pharmacies that are currently administering Moderna vaccines.

 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has also provisionally authorised the Pfizer vaccine as a booster vaccine for individuals aged 18 years and above – a population booster program is expected to start no later than 8 November.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, was delighted by today’s developments and commended the Federal Government’s leadership on this front.

 

“Today is a day of significant progress in Australia’s COVID-19 response, as over 3,000 pharmacies who have already administered more than 1.5 million vaccinations, now have the opportunity to order and administer the Pfizer vaccine – and PSA applauds Minister Hunt for his leadership in this area.

 

“We are pleased to see that the Pfizer vaccine has been found safe and effective as a third dose for those aged over 18 years. This will enable eligible pharmacist immunisers to further protect their communities following the completion of the primary double dose course.

 

“Throughout the roll-out, PSA has strongly advocated that pharmacist immunisers should have access to all approved COVID-19 vaccines – simplifying vaccination options for patients and giving Australians greater choice.

 

“As we transition into the next phase of the national strategy, it is important that pharmacists are adequately remunerated for their involvement in the national population booster program – ensuring that they do not continue to run this service at a loss.

 

“Pharmacists administering the Pfizer vaccine will need to complete the Department of Health’s training module – and PSA will continue to support pharmacists through our CPD, practice-support and advocacy,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA has supported Australian pharmacist immunisers thorough the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and is dedicated to continuing this support as more pharmacists commence administering the Pfizer vaccine.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463