Pharmacy Daily | Empathy key to COVAX success: PDL

AS AUSTRALIA moves into the next phase of its COVID-19 vaccination (COVAX) campaign pharmacists are being urged to prepare for conversations with vaccine hesitant patients.

In a practice alert issued last night, indemnity insurer, Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) stressed that pharmacists will "need to be empathetic with these patients and be prepared to handle discussions and discontent regarding vaccination".

"Discontent may be understandable given an individual's anxieties or frustration," PDL said.

"We hope pharmacists remain professional and offer support and advice in a non-judgemental manner."

The insurer also warned pharmacists that patients coming in for vaccines solely to meet employment obligations may seek to have vaccination records falsified to say they have received their jabs, without having them administered.

"While rare, pharmacists should be alert to a very small number of people seeking to manipulate a pharmacist to achieve a vaccination record without vaccination, through means such as a bribe or manipulating vaccines when a pharmacist is distracted," the company said.

"Such events need to be reported to the appropriate authorities."

PDL added that pharmacists should used the Australian Immunisation Record (AIR) as "the source of truth", and review it prior to administering vaccines.

"PDL continues to receive reports of people lying or being confused about past vaccine numbers or brands," the alert said.

"There may be some public perception that Moderna Spikevax may be a more effective vaccine leading patients to seek another brand of vaccine or an extra dose of a particular brand of vaccine.

"Checking the AIR can prevent this occurrence."

While some patients may be vaccine hesitant, the insurer noted that "a very small number of parents are reportedly seeking to have children under 12 [years] vaccinated by falsifying consent or booking details".

PDL has advised pharmacists to monitor the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guidance for any changes to the COVAX booster program.