Australia hits 80% double vaccinated target

Australia has hit a significant Covid-19 vaccination milestone, with 80% of the population aged over 16 receiving their first and second dose of their chosen Covid-19 vaccine.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Trent Twomey, welcomes the long-anticipated milestone and thanks Australians for their contributions as the country begins to return to normal after a challenging 19 months.

“I think all Australians should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved,” says Mr Twomey.

“It’s not over and there is still plenty more to be done, but Australians can breathe easier knowing we are better positioned to keep our communities safe in the future.”

Since joining the rollout in July, 3400 community pharmacies around the country have administered more than 1.75 million doses of Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines.

“There is no doubt the addition of community pharmacies to the rollout has accelerated vaccination rates across the country,” continues Mr Twomey.

“Community pharmacies offer greater access to Covid-19 vaccines in metropolitan and regional areas, delivering safe and accessible vaccine services for all Australians.”

Community pharmacies nationwide now have access to all approved Covid-19 vaccines, meaning people can now go into a community pharmacy and get the vaccine they want or the one recommended as being the best or most suitable.

Mr Twomey encourages anyone over the age of 12 who has yet to receive their vaccine, to get vaccinated at their local community pharmacy.

“Vaccination appointments can be made online at findapharmacy.com.au or alternatively there are a number of walk-in options available,” he says.

“We want to make this experience as smooth as possible and getting vaccinated at your local community pharmacy at a time and location that suits you is the best way to do this.”

Mr Twomey assures Australians that anyone administering a Covid-19 vaccine in community pharmacies had undergone the same training as the doctors and nurses who are vaccinating for Covid-19.

The community can visit findapharmacy.com.au to find their closest community pharmacy administering Covid-19 vaccinations.