Community pharmacies in the ACT have delivered 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines since being brought into the vaccination program in late July last year.
The milestone was reached this week and highlights the important role community pharmacies have played – and continue to play – in protecting the ACT community against the virus.
ACT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Simon Blacker, said the 65 Territory pharmacies participating in the program had topped the 100,000-mark for the number of Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines administered by the sector on Thursday.
“The Territory’s community pharmacies have played a major role in helping get the ACT’s population to optimum vaccination levels,” Mr Blacker said.
“Considering how late in the program pharmacies were included, this is a great result and one which reflects the growing recognition of the importance of community pharmacies as health hubs.”
Mr Blacker said the trust and high regard that people had for their pharmacists was a key factor in helping the ACT achieve such a high rate of pharmacy-delivered COVID-19 vaccinations in a relatively short time.
“We know pharmacists are among the most trusted health professionals and during a crisis like this people turn to those they trust,” he said.
“It also reflects the confidence of patients to obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations from their highly skilled and trained community pharmacist.
“In addition, people know they can go to their community pharmacy and get their vaccinations at times when other vaccinators may not be available.
“The accessibility of pharmacies and the fact they often are open longer and later and on weekends has helped to achieve the 100-000 mark quickly.”
He praised the commitment and dedication of pharmacists and their staff in helping to achieve the high vaccination rate.
“The Territory’s pharmacists and their staff are totally committed to the program and their convenient and accessible vaccination services make them the go-to vaccinators for many people.”
Mr Blacker said anyone wanting their vaccinations or booster could book an appointment online by visiting www.findapharmacy.com.au or in a growing number of cases by simply walking into their local community pharmacy and receiving their free COVID-19 vaccination on the spot.
