AUSTRALIA'S community pharmacy network is under the microscope, with National COVID-19 Vaccination (COVAX)Taskforce Co-ordinator, Lieutenant General John Frewin, urging the sector to deliver on its potential.
Speaking during the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's COVAX update webinar last night, Frewin said he had confidence in the sector, but warned pharmacies need to meet expectations.
"I'm a believer in the network, and I know there is enormous capacity," he said.
"But there are others looking very carefully at the numbers to say whether the numbers are showing the potential.
"So I implore you to make the most out of the AstraZeneca [vaccine] while we've got a chance to keep it moving."
Frewin told the webinar that as of yesterday there were approximately 670 pharmacies across the country administering the vaccine, with the Taskforce expecting to have 1,500 stores providng AstraZeneca shots early next week, with close to 2,500 to be on board by 22 Aug.
"[It's] a massive effort to come on really quickly [and it's] really important to the rollout," he said.
"We've been working really well with you guys, it's been a great team effort, and it's been great to see you step up to the plate."
Responding to the General's comments, Guild National President, Trent Twomey said the profession understood its role.
"We hear you loud and clear," he said.
"You've opened the door for us, but now we've got to deliver for you."
The General added that with the Modern mRNA vaccine expected to arrive in mid-Sep, "pending approvals", the Taskforce had conducted a review of how it would be distributed.
"I'm still firmly of the view that we should keep the logistics simple and the Moderna should go into the pharmacy network," he said.
"So as soon as we've got the Moderna it will go to you.
"I don't see any benefit in mixing Moderna into the general practice network.
"Right now I think that having the choice across that really broad network is the best thing, and we will continue to try to bring on up to 1,000 pharmacies a week."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Aug 21
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 12 Aug 21
