Leading Australian medical virologist to share process on Covid-19 vaccine development with pharmacists

Project co-leader of the University of Queensland team developing a potential vaccine against Covid-19, Professor Paul Young, is set to relate the journey to development of the vaccine in a webinar for pharmacists.

The webinar – at 7pm AEST on Tuesday 29 September 2020 – will assist Australian and New Zealand pharmacists to further understand the development and potential clinical use of the world’s leading Covid-19 vaccine candidates.

Australian and New Zealand Pharmacists heard from University of Oxford’s Professor Sarah Gilbert last month as part of the program of industry education, ahead of the Australian Government potentially approving future use of both vaccines.

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australians will gain free access to a Covid-19 vaccine in 2021, if trials prove successful, after the Australian Government secured production and supply agreements with the UQ and Oxford candidates.

Under those agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late-stage testing – as the world’s top scientists’ race to solve this urgent global health issue.

Australasian College of Pharmacy President, Chris Owen, encourages pharmacists to embrace the opportunity to learn more about the journey of Prof. Young and the pathway to a potential vaccine in coming months.

The global pandemic has taken almost 900,000 lives so far, with the number of cases surpassing 27 million.¹ Pharmacist credentialed vaccinators in Australia are likely to be involved in administering the Covid-19 vaccine, should trials be successful, and agencies approve future use.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, has previously said that it would be great for everyone to have access to a vaccine through their local community pharmacy.

The clinical webinar has been made possible by collaboration between the Australasian College of Pharmacy and Professor Young.

The Australasian College of Pharmacy hopes this webinar motivates even more pharmacists to undergo the necessary training to become vaccinators.

All Australian and New Zealand pharmacists are encouraged to sign up – and to attend – the online webinar, to become engaged in this important scope of practice for pharmacists.

Pharmacists nationwide can register for the webinar at acp.edu.au or by visiting the registration form at bit.ly/33tbRxp.