This morning students at Mareeba State High School, west of Cairns, were the first to access COVID-19 vaccinations at their state school thanks to an Australian-first partnership between the Queensland Government and community pharmacies.
The Far North Queensland (FNQ) COVID-19 School Vaccination Program supports community pharmacies to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations to students aged 12 and above in the familiar environment of their own school.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, congratulated the Queensland Government for their innovative approach and said this would mean greater accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines to Queensland children.
"The Queensland Government and Hon Grace Grace MP deserve to be recognised for making this Australian-first partnership a reality," said Mr. Owen.
"Greater accessibility to COVID-19 vaccinations will mean more Queenslanders will get fully vaccinated sooner, and community pharmacies are only too happy to be part of this."
"This initiative will deliver thousands of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to students across Far North Queensland in the coming months."
"This program is open to students, with their parents' permission, and to staff, and vaccinations are delivered during school hours in partnership with Mareeba's Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods by qualified pharmacist immunisers."
Mareeba State High School Principal, Scott Whybird, said he was pleased that his students would receive their COVID-19 vaccinations from trusted local community pharmacist, Bianca Hope, in a safe and comfortable environment.
"The opportunity for students and staff to receive their vaccinations at school through the support of our local pharmacy has provided a safe and easily accessible choice for our students and staff," said Mr. Whybird, "My thanks to Bianca and her team at Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods for offering this important community service."
"Providing greater access to vaccination services for young Queenslanders has been a focus area for community pharmacies," said Mr. Owen, "This innovative program empowers community pharmacists to deliver world-class primary health care to school-aged patients in a safe and accessible way."
With 1,200 community pharmacies across Queensland, Mr. Owen said they are key primary healthcare providers local to schools and uniquely placed to administer safe COVID-19 vaccinations.
"Community pharmacies are highly accessible with 97% of Queenslanders living within 2.5km of their local community pharmacy."
