Tas falling behind: Guild

TASMANIA’S COVID-19 vaccination rollout risks falling behind the rest of Australia with no confirmed plans to activate community pharmacies to join the campaign, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warns.

Tasmanian Guild Branch President, Helen O’Byrne, has voiced concerns over the lack of communication about expanding the vaccination program to include pharmacies, while other jurisdictions have.

“We have no information on whether planning has even started in Tasmania,” O’Byrne said.

“I understand that in Tasmania the Federal and State coordination of COVID-19 vaccinations means that approximately 31% of the adult population has received at least one of the two required doses, which is a solid achievement.

“However, there are many areas across Tasmania with limited or no local appointment availability for a COVID-19 vaccination, making it difficult for many people to receive this important protection against infection – which potentially leads to apathy and hesitancy.

“Our members as trained healthcare professionals are committed to supporting the Government’s efforts by playing their part in delivering the vaccine to their local communities.”

O’Byrne noted Queensland has already started its community pharmacy COVID-19 vaccine rollout, while governments in NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory are expected to announce the activation of limited numbers of pharmacies in the coming weeks (PD 16 Jun), with some moving towards a mid-Jul start date.

While Tasmanian pharmacies are yet to get the green-light to become COVID-19 vaccination sites, the State Government is expected to announce that pharmacists have been added to the vaccination schedule in Tasmania, allowing them to administer COVID-19 shots in State-run hubs.