Pharmacy Guild launches COVAX tool
THE Australian College of Pharmacy (ACP) has partnered with the Qld branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to develop a new nationwide “vaccination eligibility tool,” giving Australians real-time information on when they may be able to access their COVID-19 immunisation.
The getmycovidvax.com.au website is a “simple digital tool where consumers answer a series of questions and are informed about in which phase of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 National Vaccination rollout they may be able to receive their vaccine,” according to ACP’s newly appointed CEO, Dimitri Kopanakis (PD 25 Feb).
Kopanakis said the tool had been created to raise community awareness about the various phases of the rollout, and to ensure greater community confidence.
“Pharmacists work each and every day supporting their local communities,” he said.
“This eligibility tool is yet another way of educating the community, and supporting pharmacists, by providing Australians with clear and concise information.”
The tool is free of charge, and includes a “push” feature which will notify Australians of any changes to their eligibility or the rollout schedule as well as a reminder of when their phase commences.
“Importantly, once Phase 2A commences the tool will also assist in providing information to patients on obtaining their vaccination, including how to make an appointment,” Kopanakis noted.
Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Qld Branch President, said he was pleased to partner with the ACP in the creation of the tool.
“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, community pharmacies have been at the forefront supporting Australian patients.
“As we move forward, we’ll continue to be on the frontline and join the nationwide effort to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Australians from phase 2A of the rollout,” Twomey said.
He noted that for several years community pharmacies had been “safely and intimately involved” in the rollout of critical vaccination programs, with the COVID-19 campaign the most important health initiative of our generation.
“Australia is one of the most decentralised nations in the world, which is why the Federal and State Governments should be commended for ensuring that as primary healthcare providers, community pharmacies are part of the vaccination rollout,” he added.
“Not all Australians living in regional and remote areas may have access to a GP to get access to vaccinations, which is why it is so critical that all primary healthcare professionals are involved and access to the COVID-19 vaccine is as broad as possible.”