VICTORIA is facing yet another wave of COVID-19 infections, fuelled by two new Omicron subvariants, BQ1 and XBB, the State's Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, warns.
Weekly data released by the State Government showed that 8,537 cases were reported in Victoria last week, a 25% increase on the previous seven days, while the number of patients in hospital with the virus climbed to 172.
"These indicators show we are at the start of another COVID-19 wave," Sutton said.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, the resurgence of the virus highlighted the need for pharmacies to be prepared to for increased demand for COVID-19 antivirals, and to provide access to vaccines to eligible patients.
"With the recent increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Victoria there have been anecdotal reports from our members and pharmacies of an increased demand for prescription oral anti-viral medication.
"Pharmacies not only in Victoria but across the country have done a great job in ensuring timely access for patients with COVID-19 anti-virals navigating stock shortages and the significant financial investment that comes with them, as each unit costs more than $1,000 to purchase.
"There are sale or return policies currently in place both for Paxlovid through Community Service Obligation (CSO) wholesalers and with Lagevrio through the manufacturer, MSD.
"It's another timely reminder of the importance for the public to come forward and receive their fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccination if they're 30 years or over, or otherwise from a eligible patient group being at greater risk.
"More and more pharmacies are administering the new Moderna bi-valent vaccine that may offer greater protection against the Omicron variant."
Melbourne-based pharmacist, Carlo Salanitri, from Chemist Warehouse Preston, told 3AW that "there has been an increase in presentations of prescriptions for COVID antivirals across our network" over the last week.
"Our pharmacists are reporting they've seen quite a large increase in [antiviral] prescription presentations," he said.
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