Guild welcomes arrival of Moderna vaccine

NSW Branch Director of the Guild Caroline Argent said the arrival of the vaccine in pharmacies would give Australians across the country greater access to protection against COVID-19.

“The Moderna vaccine has been approved for people aged 12 and above and so its availability greatly broadens the range of people who can be vaccinated,” Caroline said.

“With the arrival of the Moderna vaccine all adolescents and adults can be covered.

“Increasingly we are seeing evidence of younger people being affected by the Delta strain of COVID-19, so it is imperative that this age group is protected along with the rest of the community throughout New South Wales.

“Eligible community pharmacies will be administering the Moderna vaccine as soon as the staged supplies are delivered.

“Importantly the availability of the Moderna vaccine means there are now two mRNA vaccines available in Australia – Moderna and Pfizer.”

David Heffernan NSW Branch President said that the Moderna vaccine had similar efficacy and safety profiles to the Pfizer vaccine.

“Significantly for patients in New South Wales, the accessibility of their local community pharmacies means they have plenty of opportunities to get their vaccine when it is convenient for them,” David said.

“Pharmacies are open earlier, later and longer than other vaccination points and so there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get their Modera vaccine at a time and place that suits.

“Pharmacies have helped get the vaccine rollout back on track and will now be able to further consolidate that rollout with the Moderna vaccine.”

David said people can book online, or just walk in for their vaccination. And if they are looking to see what pharmacies provide vaccinations, they can go to Find a Pharmacy.