Community pharmacies pass 3m COVID-19 vaccinations

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said this was especially significant given that community pharmacies were only brought onboard the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in late July.

“Hitting the three million mark is testament to the dedication and commitment of the community pharmacists and their great staff to helping protect Australian communities from COVID-19,” he said.

“It also reflects the confidence of patients to obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations from their highly skilled and trained community pharmacist.

“This in no small measure is due to the trust people have in their pharmacists.

“It 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.”

Professor Twomey said the rate of vaccinations being administered through pharmacies could be expected to increase following the reversal of funding cuts last week.

“The funding cuts for administering the booster shots were reversed meaning more pharmacies are likely to join the rollout without fear that each booster shot is costing them money,” he said.

“The reversal of the funding cuts was an important measure to help keep the vaccination program on track and to increase the number of vaccinators available.

“We now have to keep the momentum going.

“Getting booster shots will be part of our COVID-normal life going forward and community pharmacies have proven they are pivotal to the success of the program.

“I also want to thank all the pharmacies who are already part of the program and encourage those who are not to sign up.

“This is a public health program, and we need all pharmacies to be part of it.”

Professor Twomey said pharmacies offer convenient and accessible vaccination services that accommodate people’s busy schedules, which makes them the preferred COVID-19 vaccination provider for many Australians.

“Simply book your vaccination appointment online by visiting www.findapharmacy.com.au or walk into your local community pharmacy and receive your free COVID-19 vaccination on the spot.”