Medicine supply to Australian communities in jeopardy if antigen testing is not provided to pharmacies

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on governments to protect our frontline healthcare workforce, and to ensure pharmacies remain open, by providing rapid antigen tests (RAT) for pharmacists and pharmacy staff.

 

While RAT is increasingly being used by governments to manage the risk of COVID-19 in various settings like parliaments, most governments are yet to utilise these tests to protect healthcare workers such as pharmacists.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that as jurisdictions come out of lockdowns, RAT must be used as part of the ongoing COVID-19 response to ensure pharmacies can remain open and communities have ongoing access to their medicines.

 

“Whilst it is pleasing to see that some antigen tests have been supplied in Australia, it is time for these tests to be utilised more broadly across our health system, including in pharmacies.

 

“With jurisdictions reopening, it’s likely we will continue to see a large number of pharmacies identified as exposure sites. Staff will still have to isolate and stores may have to temporarily close until PCR results are returned and deep cleaning has concluded. Rapid antigen tests expedite this process, returning results within 15 minutes.

 

“During such closures, patients would need to source their medicines from elsewhere – and whilst this may be an inconvenience for those living in metropolitan areas, it would have significant implications on rural and remote communities. We cannot have a situation where Australians are cut off from the medication that they need, and antigen testing is one of the keys to ensuring continuity of healthcare and access to essential medicines.

 

“Professional football teams, schools, abattoirs and various other industries are already utilising this technology. In the meantime, our pharmacists and pharmacy staff are in the firing line, putting themselves at risk on a daily basis as they continue to provide their communities with access to medicines and health services. It is the responsibility of governments to protect our healthcare workers and right now they are failing our pharmacists.

 

“It’s time to protect our frontline health workers by providing rapid antigen tests for pharmacists,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Increase access to oral contraception by letting pharmacist do their jobs

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) calls on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to improve access to oral contraception.

 

Under the ‘continued dispensing’ arrangements in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have been safely dispensing oral contraceptives to patients who have previously been prescribed the medicine without a current prescription. The pandemic aside, Australian pharmacists have an eight-year track record of supplying oral contractive pills under continued dispensing arrangements, demonstrating their competence in continuing to perform this activity.

 

Yesterday, the TGA announced an interim decision which will revert to pre-pandemic arrangements, once again limiting a woman’s ability to access to oral contraceptives without a prescription through Australian pharmacies.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said:

 

“This interim decision is very disappointing, and we will be responding to the TGA to reconsider their position before making a final decision. The benefits of improved access to oral contraception are clear. Well-established models exist overseas, where pharmacists can provide the medicine once it has previously been prescribed.

 

“Predictably, the Australian doctors’ lobby groups are more worried about ‘protecting their own turf’, than providing women with timely, cheaper and safe access to contraception. The public are sick of it. The AMA don’t bat an eyelid when it comes to fringe online prescription services but are comfortable in restricting access for Australian pharmacists.

 

“We have already seen the success of continued dispensing of oral contraceptives through the pandemic, and internationally, there are well-established models which demonstrate the success of pharmacists’ role in this process.

 

“We respect the TGA’s process and will continue to work closely with them over the coming weeks in order to improve access to medicines,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

Dr Fei Sim, Chair of the PSA’s Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest (CCPP-CSI), said:

 

“It is very disappointing to see the AMA and RACGP continue advocating to restrict women’s access to the oral contraceptive pill. To say that this decision preserves safe access to this critical medicine is ludicrous – one that does not take into consideration the best interests of patients. As Australia’s most accessible health care providers, pharmacists are ideally placed to support patients to access this critical medicine.

 

“Time is quite literally of the essence when patients are seeking access to contraception, therefore, we must have a process in place that enables safe access to such medication, without the red tape. When it comes to contraception, it is imperative that we have a patient-centric approach, one that Australian women need and deserve.

 

“The same rhetoric we saw in the initial stages of pharmacists providing immunisations has now resurfaced, whereby, doctors’ groups advocated against immunisations being administered by pharmacists for the same hollow reason they want to restrict access to contraception. Now, pharmacists’ true impact on the COVID rollout has been demonstrated by administering over 1.3 million COVID-19 vaccinations,” Dr Sim said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes WA vaccine mandate for health workers

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the McGowan Government’s announcement that COVID-19 vaccinations will become mandatory for primary and community health workers.

 

Yesterday, the WA Health Minister announced that to attend their workplace, health care workers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This will protect health care workers and their patients, and will mitigate the risk of further transmission through primary care setting like pharmacies and general practice.

 

From 1 November, in order to enter these worksites, a worker must have received their first dose of the vaccine, with the second dose to be received by 1 December.

 

PSA WA Branch President, Keegan Wong, said: “PSA applauds the McGowan Government’s decision to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for the West’s frontline health workers, demonstrating their commitment to protecting our community.

 

“It is imperative that Western Australians have the confidence that these settings, and those who work within, are compliant with the health advice. We cannot have a situation where vulnerable members of the community remain anxious about contracting this disease through clinical settings like pharmacies and hospitals, especially as we learn to live alongside it.

 

“This move will protect our staff, patients, consumers and the community at large and we are glad to see that the state has followed Victoria and Tasmania’s lead on this front.

 

“Whilst this is good news for the state, we also recognise those extenuating circumstances where health workers have genuine medical contraindications to vaccination – and PSA is reassured a process exists to support this very small cohort,” Mr Wong concluded.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes the ACT’s commitment to pill testing

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the ACT Government’s commitment to harm minimisation by funding a pilot for a fixed-site pill testing service.

 

This week’s ACT Budget provides funding for a six-month pilot program which will support the harm minimisation initiative, pill testing. This service provides analysis of the content of illicit drugs, warning users about unknown and potentially lethal contaminants.

 

PSA considers pill testing and drug checking to be consistent with the principles of harm reduction and supports further trials to inform the role of pill testing and drug checking within Australia. PSA believes that these trials should occur both at music festivals and also within or near other environments where illicit drug use occurs.

 

PSA ACT Branch President, Renae Beardmore, applauded the Barr Government’s commitment.

 

“It is great to see that tackling the highly-controversial topic of pill testing remains on the Chief Minister’s agenda. Illicit drug use is an incredibly complex and challenging issue for our community, and contributes significantly to the total burden of disease and injury in Australia.

 

“Pill testing and drug checking aims to provide consumers with credible information about the risks of consuming particular substances. The intent of pill testing and drug checking is not to provide the impression the tested substances are safe, as they remain illegal and potentially very harmful.

 

“PSA supports Australia’s commitment to harm minimisation as outlined in the National Drug Strategy. This includes support for initiatives which reduce demand, reduce harm and reduce supply of illicit drugs.

 

“Such services have been trialled and tested across European countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and France – providing conclusive evidence that pill testing saves lives. Here in Canberra, pill testing has been trialled at Groovin the Moo music festival in 2018 and 2019 – this saw patrons, who had dangerous drugs identified, dispose of the drugs in amnesty bins. In the 2019 trial, 28 percent of patrons noted that they would use less of the drug than initially intended. These results attest to the findings of these European country.

 

“As medicine safety experts, pharmacists can have a key role in this intervention and in the provision of such advice. Pharmacists have a long and established role in harm minimisation, from Opioid Replacement Therapy and needle and syringe programs, to providing naloxone over the counter. Pharmacists also have extensive experience in handling restricted substances.

 

“There are many ACT pharmacists that work in the harm minimisation space and some have the particular skillset that would make them perfect for involvement in trials and subsequent implementation of ongoing pill testing and drug checking services.

 

“By providing tailored support and information on drug use and associated harms, consumers will be empowered to make informed decisions when considering use of a substance.

 

“Law enforcement by itself does not stop people from dying, and in some cases can exacerbate outcomes from drug consumption – but pill testing, as a supplementary strategy, can. PSA looks forward to providing support to ACT Health in rolling out this initiative,” Ms Beardmore said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

1 million COVID-19 jabs administered by pharmacists!

According to today’s data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), 1 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered by pharmacists since community pharmacists started administering vaccines.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said that pharmacists are key to getting Australia’s vaccination rates over the line.

 

“Today, pharmacists have achieved yet another milestone in the vaccine rollout, administering more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians.

 

“Pharmacist immunisers have been the key to bolstering vaccination rates across the country, and community pharmacy has managed the surge in demand brilliantly. This patient-centric approach is evidently paying dividends, with states like NSW and ACT now within touching distance of life-after-lockdown.

 

“Just yesterday, almost 40,000 vaccines were administered by pharmacists, a staggering achievement. It is apparent that increased vaccine choice and greater accessibility is having a positive impact amongst the community.

 

“To all those pharmacists who have remained open beyond business hours and on weekends in order to vaccinate their communities, I thank you – but moreover, Australia thanks you.

 

“Local pharmacies have fridges full of both AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines, so I encourage all who remain unvaccinated to book in for their vaccination with their local pharmacist,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

 

Last week, 1^st October, national eligibility for Moderna was expanded to include those aged over 60 years, offering greater vaccine choice and access to mRNA through pharmacies.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Victorian antigen tests welcomed by PSA – more needed

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to secure additional rapid antigen tests (RAT) for hospitals. However, government-funded routine RAT for community pharmacies is essential to ensure continuity of essential health services.

 

Yesterday, the Victorian Government announced they will secure 2.2 million rapid antigen tests for the Victorian health system, most of which are likely to be utilised through the hospital sector.

 

PSA Victorian Branch President, John Jackson, commended the move and called for government-funded rapid antigen testing for community pharmacists and their staff to be prioritised.

 

“We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to the funding of rapid antigen testing for hospitals. The provision of RAT will help protect Victoria’s hospitals workers, including pharmacists.

 

“Whilst this is welcomed news for the hospital sector and the pharmacists who work in hospitals, there is urgent need for antigen testing in our local pharmacies. On what seems to be a daily basis, pharmacies are being listed as exposure sites across locked down states. As a result, these pharmacies are required to close, and staff forced to isolate – we cannot afford further closures and must protect the health and wellbeing of Australia’s most accessible health care workforce, pharmacists,” Mr Jackson said.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said: “Rapid antigen testing would allow community pharmacies to bring their workforce back sooner. Returned in less than 15 minutes, negative rapid antigen tests will provide health authorities and community pharmacies with the confidence to reopen sooner, ensuring their communities continue to have access to essential medicines and health services such as vaccinations.

 

“At a quarter of the cost of a PCR test, rapid antigen testing must form a major part of the country’s COVID-19 response – allowing asymptomatic staff to be tested quickly, ensuring a safer workplace and maintaining community access to medicines and services.

 

“Now that Australians are seeing light at the end of the lockdown tunnel, how we manage this disease and future outbreaks will be the real challenge. Rapid antigen testing must be a cornerstone of life beyond COVID-19 – it will play a crucial role in limiting targeted lockdowns and protecting society’s most vulnerable,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA welcomes mandatory vaccination of Victorian health workers

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for the state’s frontline health workers.

 

Last night, Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer signed public health orders requiring all people who work in a health care setting to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The order applies to community pharmacy, hospitals, general practice and more.

 

From 15 October, in order to enter these worksites, a worker must have received their first dose of the vaccine by 15 October and 15 December for dose two.

 

PSA Victorian Branch President, John Jackson, applauded the move.

 

“As the state navigates its way out of its sixth lockdown and grapples a safe reopening, this is a step in the right direction. It protects health care workers. It protects patients. It further reduces the risk of further transmission through high-risk primary care settings.

 

“All health care workers and the community should be able to have confidence that everyone working to support health has heeded the health advice. That is, being vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their patients.

 

“We also acknowledge the small cohort of health workers who have genuine medical contraindication to vaccination and welcome provisions to support people who have rare, but genuine, contraindications to vaccination,” Mr Jackson said.

 

PSA calls on all state and territory governments to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health workers – including those working in primary care such as community pharmacies.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA releases Guidelines for Pharmacists Providing Smoking Cessation Support

1 October 2021

 

In December 2020, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced that from today, 1^st October 2021, a prescription will be required to access liquid nicotine for inhalation (vaping), following a change to its scheduling.

 

To manage these legislative changes, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), with support from the Commonwealth Department of Health, has developed guidelines and education to support Australian pharmacists through the transition.

 

Claire Antrobus, Manager, Practice Support and project lead, explained why such support is required.

 

“From today, a prescription will be required to access nicotine vaping products. When nicotine vaping products are prescribed under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme or the Special Access Scheme they can be dispensed through local pharmacies.

 

“As a result of these legislative changes, we are likely to see patients presenting to pharmacies, to access nicotine vaping products via prescription. PSA has worked with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Section, Quit Victoria, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists to develop guidelines and education which equips pharmacists with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage the transition.

 

“These guidelines outline the pharmacist’s role in providing smoking cessation support and key requirements for dispensing nicotine vaping products, including counselling and safety considerations.

 

“There are currently no nicotine vaping products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, so access to these unapproved therapeutic goods will occur via the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescriber Scheme or Personal Importation Scheme pathway.

 

“These guidelines provide information for pharmacists about the key considerations for supporting patients to stop smoking, including the special considerations for nicotine vaping products,” Ms Antrobus said.

 

On Wednesday night, PSA hosted a smoking cessation webinar for members – detailing the role in which pharmacists will be required to fulfil when their patients seek smoking cessation advice. Upon completion, pharmacists will receive CPD credits. The recorded session can be accessed via this link.

 

To access the Guidelines for Pharmacists Providing Smoking Cessation Support, please visit this link. Further information is also available on the TGA website.

 

PSA, in collaboration with Quit Victoria, has developed two education modules to support pharmacists:

 

https://my.psa.org.au/s/training-plan/a110o00000E66Wc/smoking-cessation-brief-advice-training-for-pharmacists-part-1

 

https://my.psa.org.au/s/training-plan/a110o00000E66Uc/dispensing-nicotine-vaping-products-part-2

 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have also updated their Stop Smoking Guidelines to support the transition. These can be found here.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463