Today, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, announced that over 1 million COVID-19 vaccination doses had been administered to Queenslanders through their community pharmacies.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, congratulated pharmacists and pharmacy assistants for their continued hard work throughout the pandemic.
“This is a huge achievement for community pharmacy throughout Queensland,” said Mr. Owen. “This could not have been achieved without the hard work of all of those team members willing to go above and beyond to ensure Queenslanders from across our state got access to COVID-19 vaccinations.”
“It also reflects the confidence of patients to obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations from their highly skilled and trained community pharmacists. This milestone in no small measure is due to people’s trust in their community pharmacists.
“This achievement also reflects the fact that pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and the willingness of pharmacies to adapt and adjust to meet the needs of people wanting to get a COVID-19 vaccination.”
“This effort is particularly important in remote and regional Queensland,” said Mr. Owen, “where, in many instances, community pharmacy is the only local choice for Queenslanders.
Mr. Owen also thanked Queenslanders for choosing community pharmacy.
“Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have continually seen Queenslanders trusting community pharmacy with their health care needs,” said Mr. Owen.
“Whether it was trying to source hand sanitiser, wipes, face masks, or even just popping in with a question or two about how the vaccines work, community members have been coming through our front doors and we don’t take that trust for granted,” Mr. Owen said.
Mr. Owen also asked Queenslanders to continue to be patient in their search for Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).
“I know everyone is looking for RATs at the moment, and we’re doing our level best to get them out as soon as they come in,” said Mr. Owen.
“Queensland community pharmacies regularly update their RAT stock levels for concession card holders for patients to view at findapharmacy.com.au.
“We just need everyone to continue to be patient and respectful of community staff, who are working hard to support everyone in their local communities.”
“We ask that instead of phoning your community pharmacy, visit findapharmacy.com.au to check for RAT availability instead.”
