The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President Chris Owen, today announced that over 1.65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered to Queensland patients by community pharmacies since 7 June 2021.
Mr. Owen said that community demand for accessing vaccinations through community pharmacies had remained steady throughout the pandemic.
"I'm hearing from community pharmacists across the state that demand for vaccinations is still very high," said Mr. Owen.
"The good news is that stock levels are level with demand, so it's pretty easy to get access to COVID-19 vaccines through community pharmacy.
"I would encourage anyone who hasn't had their third or fourth boosters to visit findapharmacy.com.au/our-services/vaccination-services-covid-19 or come into their community pharmacy to get vaccinated," said Mr. Owen, "the best way we can protect our loved ones and ourselves from contracting COVID-19 is to be up-to-date with our vaccinations, and that means making sure we're all getting the boosters," said Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen said those choosing to be vaccinated at community pharmacies could do so with confidence as all vaccinators continued to undergo specific training related to the vaccine they are administering.
"COVID-19 vaccinations delivered in pharmacies are administered by highly-trained and qualified vaccinators who have to attain a current first aid and CPR certificate as well as accreditation in anaphylaxis management."
Mr. Owen also said that oral antiviral stocks were continuing to increase and that community members looking for antiviral medication can search for availability at their closest community pharmacy by utilizing the website findapharmacy.com.au/home/oral-treatments.
"There have been quite a few reports that there's a lack of antiviral medication, especially in regional areas," said Mr. Owen.
"While demand was outpacing supply a week ago, we're seeing more stock in community pharmacies now.
"We encourage anyone requiring oral antiviral medication to avoid going to the pharmacy yourself to pick up the medication, and instead ask a friend or family member to help. Some pharmacies may also be able to offer assistance in getting the medication to you as soon as possible.
Anyone interested in accessing these medications can search via our website at findapharmacy.com.au/home/oral-treatments or simply call your local community pharmacy to find out what options are available to you" said Mr. Owen.
