The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the personal encouragement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to expand the Covid-19 vaccination rollout through pharmacies across the nation.
Guild National President, Adjunct Professor Trent Twomey, confirmed more than 3,500 pharmacies are coming on board with the national vaccination program.
A total 2,593 pharmacies are administering vaccinations today, and this figure is set to move quickly past 3,500 in coming days.
Mr Morrison was optimistic that with the strong contribution through community pharmacists, Australia is hastening towards the targets of 70 per cent and 80 per cent full vaccination while speaking with nearly 2,000 pharmacists as guest on a Guild webinar.
He also revealed Australia has reached a point where per capita vaccinations in recent weeks are consistently exceeding the best weeks recorded across the US and the UK. He expected the acceleration of Australia’s rollout would mean all Australians wanting vaccination will have their first dose before Christmas.
“Pharmacies have become an integral part of our vaccination rollout,” he said.
From mid-September, suitable pharmacies will also be invited to participate in rollout of the Moderna vaccine.
Mr Twomey made it clear pharmacies are taking a frontline role, offering safe, efficient vaccinations through booking on the Find A Pharmacy website or even for walk-in patients, with little or no delay.
He urged National Cabinet to study inconsistencies between States and Territories ranging from opening hours to the definition of casual or close contact.
