Further Strengthening the COVID-19 vaccine rollout through primary care

Community pharmacies in selected rural and regional areas will be activated to support Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout out.

 

Over the coming weeks community pharmacies in rural and regional Queensland will be the first to be brought on board following a proposal to do so from the Queensland Government.

 

This proposal follows a recent national cabinet decision (22 April 2021) where it was agreed that States and territories can choose to incorporate community pharmacies into their roll-out plans in rural and remote areas where there are no or limited other points of presence.

 

The Australian Government Department of Health is working with the Queensland State Health Department to ensure we have broad coverage of primary care sites across the State who are delivering the COVID-19 vaccine. 

 

Up to fifty six locations have been identified by the Queensland Government where community pharmacies could be activated to vaccinate Australians. These locations have community pharmacies that have undertaken a robust Expression of Interest assessment process.

 

As additional vaccine supply is delivered over the coming months, additional community pharmacies will be brought on line to support an enhanced primary care roll out to ensure the broadest possible coverage for the community. Community pharmacy will play an important role in the ramp up of the COVID-19 vaccine in the second half of the year.

 

Bilateral discussions are ongoing with states and territories for additional engagement of general practices and community pharmacies.

 

-ENDS-