UP TO 1,000 community pharmacies are expected to be given access to supplies of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by Oct, in a suprise update to the Federal Government's vaccination campaign.
Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, told a press conference in Canberra yesterday, that the Government hoped to "bring on pharmacies outside of rural and regional areas" by Sep, to boost immunisation efforts.
"As we go into the last quarter, we'll have over 27 million Pfizer doses, and that will be all hands on deck," Hunt said.
"That will be using all of our 4,400 GPs, potentially another 700 to 800 plus that may come on board, plus a significant number of pharmacies, as well as all of the state systems.
"If we do get Pfizer earlier, over and above what we've already got planned, we'll be able to bring that commencement in to Sep.
"It's most likely that the pharmacies will do Moderna.
"Simply - that's the initial planning at this stage, but it has exactly the same impact."
A Pharmacy Guild of Australia spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald that the organisation was surprised by the number of pharmacies that the Department indicated would be involved in the rollout campaign, given close to 4,000 stores had been deemed suitable following an Expression of Interest process earlier this year.
"This is news to the Guild," the spokesperson said.
"[It] is in contrast to the advice we are receiving from a growing number of states and territories who want all the pharmacies in their jurisdiction activated immediately.
"Australians expect to be able to access their vaccinations at a site of their choosing."
Pharmacy Daily understands that the Guild is in ongoing negotiations with the Government to clarify yesterday's announcement.
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