With the Australian Government moving today to simplify and accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, all pharmacies assessed as eligible will now be able to take part in the national immunisation effort.
As Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey says, current lockdowns are different because this time vaccines are available.
The accelerated role of pharmacists in the national vaccination effort brings new hope for better health and economic outcomes.
Under the accelerated and simplified rollout 3,500 pharmacies will have more vaccines in their fridges and be able to vaccinate more Australians within a week.
"With pharmacists now fully engaged, we have real hope for faster availability of vaccinations," Mr Twomey said.
"I encourage Australians to make contact with their community pharmacy and arrange their vaccination.
"The good health of Australians is paramount, which is why your trusted community pharmacist can be relied on to keep you, your family and others around you safe," he said.
"Your community pharmacist is a highly skilled, highly trained professional and can deliver your vaccination soon and efficiently."
Further Government advice is being distributed now to pharmacists and extra vaccine doses will be made available through pharmacies in a matter of days not weeks, Mr Twomey said.
"We are principally concerned to maintain the good health of Australians, but there are also huge economic and social benefits now directly ahead of us.
"As the Reserve Bank has made clear today, the quicker everyone gets vaccinated the less economic damage we will incur, and the faster we can open up.
"The message is now more important than ever: If you are over 18, get the vaccine."
