The Herald Sun understands the first jabs in pharmacies are expected in coming months but no date has been set, with securing enough supply a key issue.It’ll be a major milestone in the vaccine rollout, with pharmacies for years proving crucial in distribution of the flu jab.The use of pharmacists — which the Commonwealth is overseeing — is expected to initially focus on rural and remote areas without ready access to GPs, hospitals and mass vaccination centres.They’ll be able to administer the vaccine at pharmacies and hospitals but could also set up stand-alone “pharmacy depots” or be part of special mobile or outreach services.A State Government spokesman told the Herald Sun: “Pharmacies are part of the Commonwealth’s national rollout strategy for the COVID-19 vaccine to enable more vaccine opportunities for remote areas.”“Victoria has authorised pharmacies to administer vaccines, in line with National Cabinet decisions,’’ he said.“Victoria will consider additional locations to be able to administer the vaccine if required when more supply is available.”Widespread use of chemists to distribute the vaccine was to be part of the latest rollout phase covering all Australians over 50 before it was brought forward.The national cabinet agreed last month that states and territories could now choose to incorporate chemists in rollout plans for rural and remote areas where there is no or limited vaccine access.Approving pharmacists to administer the vaccine is necessary so they’re legally able to distribute it when supply is available under the Commonwealth’s national rollout.They will have to undergo specific training and ensure at least one staff member with proper first aid is on duty in the pharmacy when the vaccine is administered to observe newly-immunised customers for at least 15 minutes.The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said in a statement: “ Community pharmacies are supportive of the Government’s roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination and were pleased by the Victorian Government’s approval for pharmacists to be involved — they look forward to participating, sooner rather than later.”Chemist Warehouse group director Mario Tascone also welcomed the development. “We are super excited to be part of the COVID vax rollout,’’ he said.“Our pharmacists all over Australia can’t wait to play their part in this big campaign.” Several new vaccinations centres will this week open in Victoria.One at Warrnambool will open for walk-ins and bookings on Tuesday while new centres at Cobram, Kilmore and Mansfield will take phone bookings only.Six new cases of coronavirus among returned travellers were announced in Victoria on Sunday including a child and teenage boy.There were no new local cases for a 72nd straight day.All areas in NSW remain as green zones under Victoria’s travel permit system after the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney were extended by another week although masks will no longer be necessary for customers in stores.NSW had no new local cases but the source of one identified in Sydney’s eastern suburbs last week remained a mystery.wes.hosking@news.com.au
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