THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomed news that payments for pharmacist administration of COVID-19 vaccinations have increased from yesterday, but urged there should be similar increases across the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program (NIPVIP).
PSA National President Fei Sim said that increases should also apply to payments for NIPVIP vaccines.
"The change recognises the costs involved in delivering vaccination services, and it should be applied to all vaccines expected to be delivered by pharmacists.
"All vaccination services, regardless of whether its under the COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacy Program or NIPVIP, should be remunerated at the same rate."
This should include commitment to indexing of fees to keep pace with CPI, inclusion of rural loading, after hours incentives and incentives for reaching at-risk and priority populations, she added.
The PSA stated the NIPVIP program should also support outreach services so pharmacists can support people wherever they live, including in aged care and disability facilities.
"Adequate pharmacist remuneration is critical to ensuring that essential services delivered by pharmacists can be done so sustainably, which ultimately protects and maintains equitable access to vaccination services for all Australians," Sim concluded.
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