By Danielle Kutchel
The Covid-19 vaccine rollout is gathering pace with some pharmacies now able to administer the doses.
Several pharmacies in Casey have come on board with the rollout in recent days.
They include Terry White Chemmart Pharmacy on Clyde.
Proprietor Anthony Tassone, who is also president of the Victorian branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, had advocated strongly for pharmacies to be included in the Australian Government’s vaccine plans.
His pharmacy is now giving out AstraZeneca vaccines to patients who want it.
Appointments are recommended but some walk-ins are available.
The Clyde store is among over 500 community pharmacies across Victoria that are providing the AstraZeneca vaccine, according to Mr Tassone.
“This is great news to improve access and help our community chart our course on a pathway to recovery lifting vaccination rates as high as possible to navigate out of lockdowns and tight Covid-restrictions,” he said.
Already, community pharmacies all around Australia have administered more than 200,000 AstraZeneca doses.
The Clyde pharmacy is expecting to receive the Moderna vaccine from mid-September.
But Mr Tassone urged customers to speak to their GP or pharmacist as soon as possible about getting vaccinated, rather than delaying for a particular brand.
“The best vaccine is the one you can get today,” he said.
“Don’t hesitate, vaccinate.”
The pharmacy rollout comes as Victoria opens Pfizer appointments to 16-39 year olds.
On Tuesday 24 August, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that under-40s would be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine at state-run vaccination hubs.
The vaccination booking website was reported to have crashed under the ensuing demand.
To find which pharmacies are providing the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.findapharmacy.com.au or visit the Commonwealth government eligibility checker at www.covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
