Queensland community pharmacies will be the first to rollout Covid-19 vaccinations nationally.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Federal Member for Health and Aged Care made the announcement at APP2021.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, QLD Branch Acting President, Chris Owen congratulates Minister Hunt and the Hon Yvette D’Ath MP, QLD’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.
“Minister D’Ath has been focused on ensuring that regional and remote communities in Queensland have access to the Covid-19 vaccination through community pharmacies. She understands that many Queenslanders don’t have easy access to other primary healthcare services or local GP clinics.
“Community pharmacies are highly accessible with 97% of consumers in capital cities and 65% in regional areas living within 2.5km of a pharmacy.
“Pharmacies are also the most frequently visited primary healthcare destinations, and staff are well placed for significant interactions with members of the public.”
Mr Owen continues by emphasising the need for as many Australians to vaccinate as possible.
“As frontline primary healthcare professionals with an extensive network across the length and breadth of Queensland, we stand ready to support her and the Federal and State Governments to rollout this vital vaccine as quickly and safely as possible.”
He also adds that, “Anyone administering a Covid-19 vaccine in community pharmacies will undergo training with the Australian College of Nurses on this specific vaccine.”
During his speech, Minister Hunt congratulated community pharmacies for being accessible primary healthcare providers.
