PHARMACISTS participating in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign will be covered by the no-fault indemnity scheme for general practitioners, announced by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, last night.
While details of the scheme have yet to be fully revealed, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Trent Twomey, told Pharmacy Daily that the Federal Government had confirmed the scheme would be available to pharmacist immunisers who have completed the relevant training.
"The new indemnity arrangements announced last night will apply for all health professionals administering the vaccine," he said.
"More info [is due] to follow over the coming days."
Announcing the introduction of the scheme after last night's National Cabinet meeting, Morrison said the no-fault indemnity cover was aimed at "encouraging Australians to go and chat to their GP about their vaccination and to have their vaccination administered".
"The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advice talks about a preference for AstraZeneca to be available and made available as preferred for those over 60, but the advice does not preclude persons under 60 from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine," he said.
"So if you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP and we've already made announcements to support those additional consultations with the GPs so you can have that conversation."
The Prime Minister also noted that the Federal, State and Territory Governments were continuing to ramp up immuniser numbers with "additional numbers of pharmacists also becoming involved" in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
"They are playing an important role at this state of the vaccination program in filling gaps in regional and remote areas where they can provide that support," he said.
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