Queensland community pharmacies to join Covid fight this week – state-wide

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch’s Acting President, Chris Owen, has welcomed today’s announcement that over 200 metropolitan community pharmacies in Queensland will be able to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations beginning this week.

“This news could not have come at a better time,” said Mr. Owen, “we’ve had 131 community pharmacies in regional and out-metro areas rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine; at the end of this week, we should be able to offer access to community members right across Queensland.”

“I’d like to thank both the Federal Government and Queensland Government for securing 150,000 extra AstraZeneca doses for community pharmacies; this will hopefully mean everyone who is currently on a waiting list to get their COVID-19 vaccination will now have the opportunity to do so,” said Mr. Owen.

“Thank you, Hon Yvette D’Ath MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, for securing these vital vaccines for Queenslanders to access.”

“Minister D’Ath said at this morning’s Queensland Government press conference that community pharmacies are vital to getting COVID-19 vaccinations into the community quickly.”

Mr. Owen said that over 200 community pharmacies in metropolitan areas of Queensland will join the rollout this week and that getting as many Australians vaccinated as soon as possible was critical.

“Dr. Jeannette Young, our Queensland Chief Health Officer said that only 18.47% of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated. Eligible Queenslanders need to get their vaccination quickly.”

“Rolling out the vaccine to all eligible community pharmacies will prove to be a real game changer. The only way to ensure we can stop these revolving lockdowns is to get as many people as possible vaccinated; community pharmacies are absolutely critical to success here,” said Mr. Owen.

“The message we’re sending Queenslanders when it comes to vaccines is clear,” said Mr. Owen. “If you’re over 18, have a discussion with your community pharmacist about getting the vaccine.”

“Regardless of your age, when you arrive at your community pharmacy, we will undertake a health assessment about the risks and benefits of the vaccine. Both the patient and vaccinator need be satisfied that the benefits outweigh the risks before the vaccination takes place,” said Mr. Owen.

“Community pharmacies are highly accessible, with 97% of consumers in capital cities and 66% in regional areas living within 2.5km of a pharmacy. Pharmacies are also the most frequently visited primary healthcare destinations,” said Mr. Owen.

Mr. Owen said community pharmacies would receive 150,000 doses of AstraZeneca this week and begin offering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in September this year.

“Anyone administering a COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies has undergone the Commonwealth’s mandatory training with the Australian College of Nurses on this specific vaccine.”

A list of Queensland community pharmacies taking part in COVID-19 vaccine administration can be found at findapharmacy.com.au/qldpharmacy. Additional community pharmacies will be added later this week.

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