PHARMACISTS in South Australia will soon be authorised to administer Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines to patients aged five years and older, who travel to, live or work along the Murray River.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) South Australia and Northern Territory Branch President, Veronika Seda, welcomed the decision, saying it would improve access to the vaccines.
"While 90% of JEV infections are asymptomatic, the virus can cause a rare and potentially life-threatening infection of the brain," she said.
"It is vital that we encourage the uptake of JEV vaccines in affected areas.
"As the most accessible health care professionals, community pharmacists completely support any measures that strengthen the health and wellbeing of our communities."
However, with the State Government offering a fee of $20 - including GST - for each dose administered, Seda noted it was less than the funding provided during the State's free influenza vaccination program, despite the JEV shots requiring a longer consultation.
"PSA is concerned that the rate of remuneration for South Australian pharmacists delivering JEV vaccinations is insufficient," Seda said.
"JEV has a strict eligibility criteria, which requires pharmacists to spend more time consulting with patients. That extra time is time taken away from the dispensary and helping other patients, which can have a significant impact in small, regional, or rural pharmacies.
"In comparison, general practitioners are delivering the same service, administering the same vaccine, and are able to claim $39.75 for each patient under Medicare. Pharmacists deserve to be paid the same rate."
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