COMMUNITY pharmacy COVID-19 vaccination services are gaining pace with the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) reporting the network has administered more than 100,000 doses to date.
The latest AIR data marks a significant acceleration in the uptake of pharmacist-administered shots over the last four days, with the Commonwealth Department of Health reporting that 52,678 doses had been given by community pharmacies as of 3pm on Fri.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Associate Professor Chris Freeman, said the latest AIR figures showed pharmacists were standing up for their communities.
"Today's data from the AIR is very pleasing, as more than 100,000 doses have been administered by pharmacists across our country," he said.
"Considering that only a fraction of Australia's pharmacists have commenced vaccinating in recent weeks, these numbers are quite staggering.
"Imagine the vaccination rates once all approved pharmacists are on-boarded.
"This data underpins the trust that Australians place in their local pharmacists to protect them against this deadly disease.
"I acknowledge the pharmacists who have been vaccinating through GP clinics, respiratory clinics, and vaccination hubs since day one of the vaccine rollout -- they have paved the way for community pharmacist involvement in the strategy.
"I commend those pharmacies who have remained open beyond business hours and on weekends as they work toward safeguarding their communities.
"This is the tip of the iceberg for the impact they can have on the vaccine rollout."
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