The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is deeply disturbed by flyers that have been distributed to Australians this week.
Over recent days, Australians have been receiving mail from Clive Palmer's United Australia Party, encouraging the public not to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
A/Prof Chris Freeman, PSA National President expressed his disgust over the material being distributed.
"Mr Palmer must feel quite foolish distributing this marketing material just as Australia's largest city is on the brink of another COVID-19 outbreak. Never has there been a more inappropriate time to communicate such false and misleading messages.
"We are at a critical juncture in Australia's fight against this deadly disease, and this propaganda is not only inappropriate but totally uneducated and ill-informed.
"This is quite literally 'junk mail', and I'd encourage all those who receive a flyer to recycle the paper immediately.
"The last person who I would be seeking medical advice from is Clive Palmer.
"We have two highly-effective vaccines in this country, and as they become more available, it is imperative that Australians protect themselves and those close to them by getting fully vaccinated with both doses.
"At present, we are trying to overcome vaccine hesitancy and complacency, this simply fuels superstition and delays achieving national immunity. I urge Australians who have concerns about receiving the vaccination to seek information from a trusted source – such as your local pharmacist or GP.
"As pharmacists are progressively brought on board across the country, the vaccination rollout will be expedited," A/Prof Freeman said.
PSA remains dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine both safely and effectively to the public, and pharmacists around the country are on standby to support the strategy where possible.
