Old Bar residents 60 years and over will soon be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at their local pharmacy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From mid-July, Old Bar Pharmacy is one of 22 across regional and rural NSW which will begin administering the jab as part of a pilot program to boost the vaccine rollout.
These will be the first pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in NSW. They have been chosen because they are located where access to a GP or vaccine clinic is more limited due to geography.
Community pharmacies will need to meet certain standards in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines. These include:
- Must not supply or administer the vaccine to a person who is under the age of 60, or a patient with a contraindication or precaution to vaccination;
- Written consent from a patient;
- Mandatory training for vaccinators;
- Recording of each vaccination; and
- Conduct vaccinations under approved practice standards.
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead welcomed the move.
"It's vital that all communities have access to the vaccine without the burden of transport. This is a crucial step in the fight against COVID-19 and I urge everyone who can, to get vaccinated," he said.
"It's promising that Old Bar Pharmacy will take part in this pilot program which will undoubtedly help with the vaccine rollout."
It is expected additional pharmacies will join the COVID-19 vaccination program in the future. This also paves the way for pharmacies to further assist NSW in supporting the Commonwealth Government's rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
WHILE YOU'RE WITH US:
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said community pharmacists already have an important role in Australia's vaccination program, administering vaccines including the yearly flu jab.
"We know that some of these communities have limited local access to general practitioner services and having these pharmacies involved will assist with the phased rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to these communities," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This is a vital step to help ensure as many people in NSW as possible receive their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there is currently significant demand for vaccination bookings across NSW and this new pathway will make it easier for people right across the state to get their jab.
"I want to reassure the community that everyone in NSW who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated as soon as possible when it's their turn," Mr Hazzard said.
Did you know? Manning River Times online subscribers not only have 24/7 access to local and national news, sport, what's on and entertainment - they also have access to our print editions in digital format, with all the advertisements and classifieds at their fingertips.
