PHARMACISTS WELCOME EXTENSION OF QLD IMMUNISATION TRIAL
9 Jul ,2014
The outstanding success of the trial of pharmacist-delivered flu immunisations in
Queensland has led to the Queensland Government extending the pilot to cover
other vaccinations including measles and whooping cough for adults.
The trial, being conducted by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, has already seen more than 10,000 people
vaccinated by pharmacists.
Queensland State President of the PSA, Professor Lisa Nissen, said the extension of
the trial was welcomed and reflected the success of the flu season pilot.
“The number of people who have been vaccinated and the fact that there have been
no significant adverse events is testament to the robustness of the processes in
place and to the professionalism of pharmacists delivering the vaccinations,”
Professor Nissen said.
“PSA and the Guild developed this pilot with the Queensland Department of Health,
Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University to ensure the
highest standards were adhered to and this has underpinned the success of the
pilot.
“The announcement made today by the Queensland Government presents a broad-ranging
strategy that is designed to work in conjunction with the National Immunisation Strategy to
ensure that 95 per cent of Queensland children and some 85 per cent of adolescents will be fully
immunised.’’
Queensland State President of the Pharmacy Guild, Tim Logan, said the
accessibility of community pharmacies was a major factor in the high uptake during
the pilot.
“Community pharmacies are very accessible and people can quickly and easily get a
vaccination without long waits or booking weeks ahead,” Mr Logan said.
“This has resulted in the pilot capturing a cohort of the population who might not
normally be vaccinated.
“Extending the trial to other vaccinations is a very welcome move and means
pharmacists will be able to make a very significant contribution in helping meet the
vaccination targets.”
MEDIA CONTACTS: Peter Waterman (PSA) 0487 922 176
Greg Turnbull (PGA) 0412 910 261