GUILDLINK is set to roll out an upgrade of its integration between the GuildCare NG platform and the Australian Immunisation Record (AIR) to alleviate the need to log into AIR and Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) separately, when administering COVID-19 vaccines (COVAX).
The updated platform has gone live for the pharmacies in regional and rural Queensland that have been given the green-light to provide COVAX, with the service expected to be extended to all GuildLink customers once they are given State Government approval to join the immunisation campaign.
GuildLink CEO, Arun Sharma, confirmed the company's platform was used by Foote Boonah Pharmacy to record the administration of Australia's first COVID-19 vaccine in a community pharmacy on Mon (PD 07 Jun).
"We are proud to have the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in pharmacy recorded through GuildCare NG," he said.
"Our investment in the AIR integration upgrade and COVID-19 vaccine module is testament to our commitment to Australian community pharmacies.
"Our team is ready, listening and looking forward to the national rollout."
Meanwhile, Queensland's Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health, Julieanne Gilbert, showed her support for the rollout of COVAX through community pharmacies, receiving her first dose of the AstraZeneca COVAX at Discount Drug Store Sarina, about 40km south of Mackay, yesterday.
"I want to encourage everyone to take up the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it's offered to them," she said.
"As a regional Queenslander myself, I am really pleased that the Palaszczuk Queensland Government was the first State Government to utilise the network of community pharmacies to ensure equitable access to the vaccine in the regions.
"I want to thank all of the people who have already taken up the opportunity to get their vaccine.
"I also want to thank all of the hardworking health staff, including our regional community pharmacists who are working tirelessly to keep regional communities safe."
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch Acting President, Chris Owen, described the COVAX rollout as "the most critical health initiative in our generation".
"The Guild looks forward to working with both Federal and State Governments to quickly increase the number of community pharmacies involved in the COVAX rollout to improve patient accessibility," he said.
Pictured, Gilbert with Discount Drug Store Sarina pharmacist immuniser, Renee Hall.
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