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