The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Here's how pharmacies could boost Australia's COVID vaccine rollout

  • Written by John Jackson, Researcher, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University

Under Australia’s original COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan, community pharmacies were meant to be involved in administering vaccines from phase 2a[1].

Phase 2a includes all adults over 50[2], among other priority groups, and began at the beginning of May[3] via mass vaccination hubs, followed by GP clinics[4].

We’re now technically into phase 2b, with certain age groups under 50[5] newly eligible, depending on the state or territory.

Pharmacists have been found to be capable, willing and ready to help with Australia’s vaccine rollout. But with the exception of Queensland[6], where 49 regional and remote community pharmacies are now allowed to deliver the vaccine, we have yet to see the government engage pharmacists in a meaningful way.

A bit of background

On February 5[7] this year, the federal government called for expressions of interest from community pharmacies to be involved with the vaccine rollout. Approximately 3,900 of the 5,700 pharmacies nationwide[8] were deemed “suitable”.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has estimated[9] allowing these pharmacies to administer the vaccine would accelerate Australia’s vaccination rollout by three months. Their modelling also suggested involving the pharmacy sector would save the government A$77 million.

In April, National Cabinet[10] agreed pharmacies could be engaged in the states’ and territories’ rollout plans in locations where there are no or limited other places for people to be vaccinated.

In May, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced[11] up to 56 community pharmacies in regional Queensland would be approved to administer COVID vaccines, following a proposal from the Queensland government.

We’ve seen that begin this week[12], and it’s great news for those Queensland communities with no medical practice. It’s expected jurisdictions with large hinterlands including New South Wales and Western Australia[13] will follow soon.

But we haven’t seen engagement of pharmacies more broadly, beyond filling the gaps that exist outside city centres (and even that we’ve only seen in Queensland so far). At the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference in May, Minister Hunt stated[14] the pharmacy sector would need to wait until “the latter part of the year” to be involved.

In personal communications with the department of health, inadequate supplies of vaccines at the state and territory level has been cited as the reason for delayed implementation of pharmacy-based vaccination, even in a “filling the gap” role.

This doesn’t help those Australians living in towns or in outer suburbs of the cities where there is an approved pharmacy but no GP. Nor does it help people whose GPs don’t provide COVID-19 vaccinations, or who are elderly or frail and unable to travel to mass vaccination hubs.

Read more: Pay pharmacists to improve our health, not just supply medicines[15]

Pharmacists are well-placed to deliver vaccines

Pharmacists have been a fundamental part of Australia’s vaccination workforce since 2014[16]. Depending on the state, pharmacists can administer influenza, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal, diphtheria and COVID-19 vaccines.

Approval for pharmacies to offer vaccination requires training to the same skill level as other vaccinators (such as nurses and doctors), appropriate private space within the pharmacy, and the capacity to upload patients’ vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register.

Once pharmacies get the green light for greater involvement, the lead time for the profession to come on board will be short as these factors are largely already in place.

With the expectation of assisting with the COVID-19 vaccination program, we’ve seen an upsurge in pharmacists completing vaccination training this year.

A young female pharmacist uses a tablet computer. Many pharmacists are trained in vaccination. Shutterstock

Storage changes will make it easier

The Therapeutic Goods Administration recently approved changes[17] to the storage requirements of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

This COVID vaccine belongs to a family of a new technology called mRNA vaccines, and initially required storage at around -60℃. During development of the mRNA vaccines, scientists didn’t know whether the vaccines would be stable in a refrigerator[18], but testing has since demonstrated they can be stored safely for one month at a normal fridge temperature of 2-8℃.

The capability to store vaccine in unopened vials in normal fridges, as opposed to ultra-cold freezers, will allow greater flexibility in vaccine delivery. This will be particularly useful for remote communities where deliveries can be complicated.

The storage change also enables administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in community pharmacies which all have fridges with temperature monitors.

Read more: We're gathering data on COVID vaccine side effects in real time. Here's what you can expect[19]

Addressing vaccine hesitancy

With Australia starting COVID-19 vaccination later than many places and slipping further behind[20] comparable countries, all available resources should be brought to bear in assisting the population to accept and access vaccination.

We can look overseas to see government programs which engage community pharmacy in COVID-19 vaccination.

In the United States, for example, a collaboration[21] between national and state governments and 40,000 pharmacies makes it easier for people to access COVID-19 vaccination locally, improving vaccine uptake and decreasing the logistical and operational burden on health departments.

Also in the US, the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program[22] involves community pharmacies vaccinating residents and staff on-site at more than 62,000 residential aged-care facilities.

A male pharmacist talks with a female customer. Pharmacists may be able to allay the concerns of some people who are hesitant about COVID vaccination. Shutterstock

While issues of global supply and vaccine storage have affected distribution, public concern about efficacy and side effects have contributed to vaccine hesitancy and affected uptake.

Public health messaging is important but these are complex and personal matters. Many people have questions, like “which vaccine is best for me taking into account my medical situation?” and “what are the potential side effects?”. Pharmacists are well-placed to answer these sorts of questions.

Read more: 4 ways Australia's COVID vaccine rollout has been bungled[23]

References

  1. ^ from phase 2a (www.health.gov.au)
  2. ^ all adults over 50 (www.health.gov.au)
  3. ^ at the beginning of May (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ GP clinics (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ under 50 (www.abc.net.au)
  6. ^ Queensland (www.psa.org.au)
  7. ^ February 5 (www.ppaonline.com.au)
  8. ^ 5,700 pharmacies nationwide (www.guild.org.au)
  9. ^ has estimated (www.theaustralian.com.au)
  10. ^ National Cabinet (www.pm.gov.au)
  11. ^ announced (www.health.gov.au)
  12. ^ begin this week (www.psa.org.au)
  13. ^ New South Wales and Western Australia (www.theage.com.au)
  14. ^ Minister Hunt stated (www.greghunt.com.au)
  15. ^ Pay pharmacists to improve our health, not just supply medicines (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ since 2014 (www.psa.org.au)
  17. ^ approved changes (www.tga.gov.au)
  18. ^ stable in a refrigerator (www.reuters.com)
  19. ^ We're gathering data on COVID vaccine side effects in real time. Here's what you can expect (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ slipping further behind (ourworldindata.org)
  21. ^ collaboration (www.cdc.gov)
  22. ^ Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program (www.cdc.gov)
  23. ^ 4 ways Australia's COVID vaccine rollout has been bungled (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/heres-how-pharmacies-could-boost-australias-covid-vaccine-rollout-161894

The Times Features

The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy For Children

Speech therapy has long been a standard for supporting children’s communication and emotional development. But what happens when you introduce a furry friend into the process? Th...

The Hidden Dangers of Blocked Drains and the Ultimate Solution for a Hassle-Free Home

Drain blockages are a big hassle to every homeowner and business owner alike. Whether it is a sink in the kitchen or bathroom, a clogged toilet, or a foul smell circulating aroun...

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Times Magazine

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

LayBy Shopping