The lack of adequate remuneration for pharmacists administering the COVID-19 booster shot has been criticised by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
The National President of the Guild, Trent Twomey, said community pharmacies welcomed the opportunity to be part of the booster program but the failure to provide adequate funding for the service could affect its success.
“We know that many patients will come to their community pharmacist as their trusted health professional with questions about the booster shot,” Mr Twomey said.
“Quite frankly, people already are confused and suffering information overload after endless messaging about the COVID-19 vaccine.
“They will turn to their community pharmacy for answers about the booster shot.
“Many patients will need to have the program explained in detail as the messaging to date has been confusing.
“They will need explanations on why the vaccine can be changed, the time lines between their second shot and their eligibility for the booster, and so on.
“All this takes a great deal of time and the failure by government to recognise this is short-sighted.”
Mr Twomey said it could also act as a disincentive to pharmacies which had been opening longer hours and at weekends to provide vaccinations to patients.
“The fact that the vaccine rollout program is on target is due in large part to the involvement of pharmacies and their accessibility when other vaccinators may not be available,” Mr Twomey said.
“If providing booster shots ends up being uneconomical for the pharmacies, some may well question their willingness to provide it.”
