Thousands of community pharmacies and additional GPs across Corangamite, Corio, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gorton electorates will be invited to join the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
This additional workforce will be brought on board to support pharmacies and GPs already delivering COVID-19 vaccines in cities, regional, rural and remote areas, as well as areas with a COVID-19 outbreak.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said 118 community pharmacies are currently vaccinating across the country and over 470 community pharmacies will be vaccinating by the end of July 2021.
“From Monday, over 3,900 community pharmacies who have expressed interest in joining the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and who have previously been found suitable, will be invited to participate in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout,” Senator Henderson said.
“This includes 1,262 suitable community pharmacies from regional, rural and remote areas, like here in Victoria as well as 2,668 suitable community pharmacies that have also been identified in metropolitan areas.”
“Pharmacies who have not yet expressed interest will also be offered the opportunity to participate, as well as any GPs that are not yet participating in the rollout.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the addition of community pharmacy would play a vital role in the vaccine rollout.
“Community pharmacy is an essential part of the Australian health care system and pharmacists are highly accessible health care professionals who provide patients with access to vital medicines, health care services and support,” Minister Hunt said.
“Community pharmacies across Australia have kept their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic to support their patients and will now play a crucial role in vaccinating Australia.”
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce is continuing to work with state and territory Governments to accelerate the vaccination program and ensure the nation has broad coverage of primary care sites across the country who are delivering the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is anticipated that pharmacies wishing to administer AstraZeneca vaccines will commence vaccinating from mid-August.
In addition, community pharmacy will also participate in the rollout of the Moderna vaccine from September.
Further information on this pharmacy roll-out will be made available through the Department of Health.
23 July 2021