Pharmacy Daily | Offer second COVAX shot: US govt

PHARMACISTS in the US are being urged to offer patients a second dose of COVID-19 vaccines (COVAX) even if they received their initial shot from a different provider.

The move announced by the US Federal Government earlier this week aims to counter the growing number of people who have had the first dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, but have been unable to get their second jab due to challenges accessing their GP, the New York Times reported.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that more then five million people in the US have been unable to get fully vaccinated.

In a statement from the White House on Tue, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Acting Administrator, Andy Slavitt, said the move was designed to ensure university students who may have received an initial dose of a COVAX on campus can get their second in a different location if necessary.

"College students lead lives that make physical isolation somehow a little more challenging.

"I say this with the knowledge of having one --- a college student, that is --- as well as a recent graduate, now in his 20s," he said.

"And a vaccine seems like the best way not to battle their impulse to socialise.

"So, we are very supportive of states in their effort to improve access and make it even easier for their students to get their shots.

"To do our part, we shared with governors that we will be ensuring that pharmacies in the federal pharmacy program do not have residency requirements in place, so that students who do return home can get their second dose in that home state.

"Now, in fact, most pharmacies administering shots will now offer anyone a second dose regardless of where they got their first.

"This seems like a good opportunity to remind you to get your second shot if it's your time and if you haven't."