ACCESS to COVID-19 vaccines (COVAX) is being cited as a barrier to expanding the vaccination rollout to include community pharmacies in Victoria, despite reports that CSL has capacity to produce large quantities of doses domestically.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, told Pharmacy Daily "it's utter madness" that community pharmacies have not be engaged to vaccinate at this stage.
He said the Guild was in "ongoing discussions" with health officials in the State "about activating community pharmacies in Victoria to help deliver COVAX".
"There appears to be a willingness by them, but stock supply continues to be raised as the main barrier," he said.
"It really shouldn't be this hard.
"If there is a stock supply issue, ask the Commonwealth for more.
"We have all been told about the on-shore manufacturing of the AstraZeneca vaccine capable of producing large volumes quickly.
"I know that if I need something, I ask for it.
"We know our patients are asking for it, so we will continue to ask questions of the Victorian Government why we haven't received stock yet.
"While regional Victoria is still stuck in lockdown, community pharmacies across the State continue to turn away ready, willing and eligible patients for the vaccine every day."
Issues around access to AstraZenca were highlighted by a sign outside a hospital in Melbourne this morning noting it had "no more AZ vacccine" and that patients could get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine "by appointment only".
Meanwhile, Labor MP for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said the Federal Government was holding back 40% of the vaccines manufactured by CSL, and called on Health Minister, Greg Hunt, to explain "where vaccines are going and why they are being held back from distribution".
Chesters backed moves to accelerate the COVAX rollout.
"By giving GPs the vaccine they need and getting pharmacies on board with distribution, we can normalise distribution and make access to the vaccines people need easier," she said.
"Pharmacies have established booking infrastructure and relevant expertise in administering bulk- vaccination programs in a COVID-safe way, through flu vaccinations, and we are currently not utilising this effectively."
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