The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch's Acting President, Chris Owen, has said that a further 137 community pharmacies, predominantly in Central and North Queensland, would start to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations this week.
A complete list of these pharmacies can be found on findapharmacy.com.au/qldpharmacy.
Mr. Owen said the total number of community pharmacies involved in the rollout was now more than 516 state-wide.
"Last week saw 113 metropolitan community pharmacies in South-East Queensland step out to fight the coronavirus pandemic by starting to administer COVID-19 vaccinations," said Mr Owen, "this, week many more communities across Queensland will also benefit from being able to access COVID-19 vaccinations through their community pharmacies.
"SEQ has just come out of lockdown and the Cairns and Yarrabah Local Government Areas have been placed in lockdown for the next three days," said Mr. Owen, "The only way out of these revolving lockdowns is to have as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible."
Mr. Owen the Commonwealth has now invited all eligible community pharmacy across Queensland to join the program.
"The additional eligible community pharmacies are being on boarded and should have vaccine stock by the end of the week. This brings the total number of community pharmacies in Queensland offering the vaccine to over 700," said Mr Owen.
"With 97% of consumers in capital cities and 66% in regional areas live within 2.5km of a pharmacy, it makes sense for Pharmacy to be at the forefront of the rollout. Community pharmacies are also the most frequently visited primary healthcare destinations," said Mr. Owen.
"The message we're sending Queenslanders when it comes to vaccines is clear," said Mr. Owen, "If you're over 18, get the vaccine."
"Community pharmacists are primary healthcare experts, including for vaccines. We stand willing and able to speak with you about the risks and benefits of the vaccine and ensure patients make informed decisions," said Mr Owen.
"Anyone administering a COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies has undergone the Commonwealth's mandatory training with the Australian College of Nurses on this specific vaccine."
The community can visit findapharmacy.com.au/qldpharmacy to see a list of all Queensland community pharmacies that are administering the COVID-19 vaccination.
