Marulan Pharmacy will administer the AstraZeneca jab as part of a pilot program involving 22 pharmacies across regional NSW.
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The first pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in NSW will be available from mid-July, located where access to a GP or vaccine clinic is more limited due to geography.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said community pharmacists already had 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."
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the initiative.
"Local pharmacists have been administering vaccines including yearly flu shots for some time in NSW - I'm delighted that Marulan has designated as a location to assist the phased rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine," she said.
As one of the state's first to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, Pharmacist Shabab Hasan - known by locals as Bob - expects the vaccine to be available from mid-July for people 60 years and over in Marulan.
"We're very excited at Marulan Pharmacy to be at the forefront of the community pharmacy rollout of COVID-19 vaccines," he said.
"In times of uncertainty like this, it is especially crucial for pharmacy to be able to support the very community that it is built upon.
"Not only does this initiative make COVID-19 vaccinations accessible to our rural and remote populations, but also allows this to happen in the comfort and care of the local pharmacy.
"I am enthusiastic that this initiative is a step forward in the right direction, and will commit community pharmacies across the state to a greater level of involvement in high-quality patient care."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there was currently significant demand for vaccination bookings across NSW and this new pathway would 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.
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.
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.
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