The Federal Government has announced that commencing 7 June 2021, 49 community pharmacies across Queensland will begin offering free Covid-19 vaccinations to members of the community.
The announcement has been welcomed by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch’s Acting President, Chris Owen who says that it’s proud to see that Queensland is leading the way nationally in the rollout, being the first pharmacies in Australia to be able to offer the vaccine to community members.
“We’re very proud to once again be leading the way in Queensland,” says Mr Owen.
“The Federal and State Government have shown great leadership in ensuring Queensland Pharmacies would be able to make sure communities across Queensland would have access to the Covid-19 vaccines.
“Given the need to vaccinate as many Queenslanders as quickly as possible and the decentralised nature of our state, we thank the Federal Government for leading the way and ensuring that as frontline primary healthcare professionals, community pharmacies are part of the solution.”
Mr Owen also pays “particular tribute to Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath” for leadership in this area.
“Minister D’Ath’s forward-thinking, and leadership have ensured Queensland is in the great position it is,” says Mr Owen.
“Community pharmacies have a proud history of being at the forefront of supporting patients through the best primary healthcare practices.
“The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine is the most critical health initiative in our generation, and community pharmacies are well placed to deliver,” he adds.
Mr Owen says that pharmacy staff administering the Covid-19 vaccine “will undergo training with the Australian College of Nurses on this specific vaccine”, to ensure a successful rollout.
“We look forward to working closely with both Federal and State Governments to quickly increase the number of community pharmacies involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout to improve patient accessibility,” says Mr Owen.
