JAB AT COMMUNITY CHEMISTS A GOOD MOVE

IT’S plain to see that Australia’s vaccine rollout remains frustrated on multiple fronts. The latest hitch was this week’s announcement that AstraZeneca’s safety profile was being revised again, and now only those aged 60 and over are recommended to get their first dose.

Couple that with low levels of supply and Australia has fallen way behind its American and British counterparts, who are vaccinating their way to a complete reopening.

Here in the Territory, there have been concerning reports that our remote communities are suffering from high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

Part of this is due to complacency – the virus is nowhere to be seen so there’s no rush.

Health authorities and politicians are adamant the rollout to those communities is on track, with Natasha Fyles last week saying the government would do “whatever it takes” to get as close to 100 per cent of Territorians vaccinated as possible.

But there are signs of hope in the Northern Territory.

For starters, we’re leading the nation in rates of fully vaccinated people, closing in on 10 per cent of adults having received two doses.

The latest news that our community pharmacies will be now stepping up to help vaccinate Territorians is a good step. Many chemists have strong relationships with their clients, and when offering the vaccine to people who may at first be hesitant, can lay out the risks and benefits of getting the jab.

Chemists also have longer opening hours than general practitioners, making access easier for people with long work hours.

Finally, the move will help encourage convince the public that supply is no longer an issue.

Unlike the early days of the rollout, when the vaccines were only for a limited few in the most vulnerable category, anyone over 16 can book in for a jab in the Territory.

Do it now.