PSA welcomes first pharmacist-led vaccine pharmacovigilance system

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new pharmacist-led pharmacovigilance system that will monitor potential adverse events following vaccination with the Moderna Spikevax vaccine.

 

The University of Western Australia and MedAdvisor are a working together to deliver a real-time, pharmacovigilance monitoring system that will provide critical safety data on the Moderna vaccine. This system will feed information into Australia’s national vaccine safety surveillance program, AusVaxSafety – a program that is supported by pharmacists across the country.

 

This is the first pharmacist-led pharmacovigilance system, and around one hundred pharmacies will be participating. The system actively follows up with patients who have received the Moderna vaccine in the days following vaccination, providing real-time insight into potential adverse events that may have occurred as a result of immunisation. This pharmacy-based system will allow government and industry to better monitor and respond to potential adverse effect signals from the Moderna vaccine.

 

Dr Fei Sim, PSA Board Member and Chair of the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest, expressed her support for the system and explained why this is so important for the community and the profession.

 

“As a practising pharmacist immuniser and pharmacy owner, I am very pleased that such a system has been developed, and that this is the first system to be implemented by pharmacists. Local pharmacists have administered over half a million COVID-19 vaccinations so far, and are having conversations with their patients on a daily basis.

 

“This system will help ensure that pharmacists and their patients are equipped with the most accurate, reliable, and up-to-date safety information – and will play a significant role in addressing any remaining hesitancy in our community.

 

“Where other pharmacovigilance systems – such as those used for the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines – have largely been implemented by General Practice and vaccination hubs, this is the first system to be solely implemented by pharmacists. This reinforces the crucial role that pharmacists play as part of Australia’s immunisation workforce, and as custodians of medicine safety,” Dr Sim said.

 

PSA looks forward to the rollout of the Moderna vaccine and is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Tasmanian Branch welcomes new leadership

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmanian Branch welcomes new leadership, electing a new Branch President and Vice President.

 

Earlier this week, PSA’s Tasmanian Branch Committee elected David Peachey as Branch President, and Anne Todd as Vice President.

 

PSA also congratulates Ilwoo Park and Hany Aita on their elevation to members of the Branch Committee.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, congratulated the newly elected members and thanked Dr Ella van Tienen for her service as Branch President.

 

“I congratulate David and Anne on their appointments to lead the Branch. Drawing on their extensive experience and skillsets, they will advocate for the profession and promote membership across Tasmania.

 

“David is a strong proponent of contemporary pharmacy practice, driven by best practice and placing the patient at the centre of care delivery.

 

“Their appointments will ensure members’ interests are represented as part of the Member First pillar of PSA’s Strategic Intent.”

 

A/Prof Freeman extended thanks to Dr van Tienen for her outstanding contribution to the role and the pharmacy profession.

 

“Over the past five years, Ella has led the Branch by example and we are delighted that she will continue to serve the Branch as State Manager.

 

“I would also like to thank Shane Jackson for his interim leadership in the role, now resuming his seat as one of the two Vice President’s on the Tasmanian Branch Committee,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA is excited by these appointments and is relishing the opportunity to work closely with this experienced group of leaders.

 

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Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA CSI Week: The Respiratory Care CSI

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced the final Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) of CSI Week, devoted to respiratory care.

 

From today, the Respiratory Care (RC) CSI, Chaired by Professor Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich, has been made available to PSA members.

 

The RC CSI was established with an initial focus on the current status of asthma management in pharmacy practice, and the role of the pharmacist in respiratory management. This group aims to develop a framework for a Respiratory Toolkit and a National Respiratory Advocacy Strategy.

 

Professor Bosnic-Anticevich shed light on the new forum.

 

“It is quite clear that over the last 5-10 years the respiratory landscape has been changing. Our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic obstructive lung diseases, specifically asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, has meant that the delivery of care has also needed to change. This has implications for pharmacy and pharmacists, and while guidelines provide the overall context for the delivery of care, they are rarely fit for purpose for pharmacy.

 

“The Respiratory CSI will bring together pharmacists across the spectrum of practice, from research, education, and advocacy. It will enable a dynamic and vibrant platform where practising pharmacists will have the opportunity to input and impact on the strategies developed for the delivery of respiratory care in the community and across the continuum of care.

 

“This CSI will ensure that practice-based initiatives for respiratory care are developed and enabled by pharmacists for pharmacists. It is only through this profession-based approach that patients with respiratory conditions can receive maximum benefit from pharmacy services, which are effective and sustainable in the real world setting.

 

“Members will gain the opportunity of having a voice and providing advice and influence into the development of strategies for the profession around respiratory care. They will have the professional advantage to engage with leaders within the respiratory field and to influence the development of policy recommendations.

 

“In addition, they will gain access to the latest medical findings in the field of respiratory medicines, have the opportunity to develop leadership skills within the profession, and will gain exposure to inter-professional colleagues as they relate to respiratory care. Their involvement can evolve as their needs and ambitions change over time,” Professor Bosnic-Anticevich said.

 

To register for the RC CSI, please visit https://my.psa.org.au/s/csi-groups/respiratory-care. For more information on PSA CSIs please visit our website.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA CSI Week: The Interdisciplinary Team-based Care CSI

On day two of CSI Week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced its third Community of Specialty Interest.

 

Today, 14^th September, PSA has launched the Interdisciplinary Team-based Care (ITBC) CSI, Chaired by consultant clinical pharmacist, Debbie Rigby.

 

An interdisciplinary approach is the preferred model of care to optimise medication management by working collaboratively, with a common purpose, to set goals, make decisions, and share resources and responsibilities.

 

The care team need to work together to provide and implement a medication management plan that meets the patient’s goals and needs. The ITBC CSI will connect, engage, and empower pharmacists with a passion for collaboration, judicious and safe use of medications, and optimal patient outcomes.

 

Ms Rigby explained how this group will further the PSA and the profession as a whole.

 

“The Interdisciplinary Team-based Care CSI will bring pharmacists working across different models of care and programs such as HMRs and RMMRs together. The forum allows them to discuss hot topics and challenges with other pharmacists, share interesting patient cases, identify educational needs, and provide a voice to inform PSA on policy and advocacy.

 

“Medicine safety is a national health priority, and pharmacists can contribute much more to this important issue through an interdisciplinary approach. An interdisciplinary approach involves team members from different disciplines working collaboratively, with a common purpose, to set goals, make decisions, and share resources and responsibilities.

 

“The introduction of CSIs is an exciting member benefit, with the potential to provide a voice for pharmacists working in innovative and future models of practice. Members of the CSI will have input into relevant consultation papers, evaluation and review of current professional programs, and CPD planning and delivery – helping to create our preferred future as pharmacists.

 

“Creating a social network of pharmacists both practicing and aspiring to practice in collaborative care, will provide opportunities to pick the brains of clinical experts and benefit from their experience. PSA will benefit from the perspective and experience of pharmacists practising in interdisciplinary team-based care to better target their member offerings,” Ms Rigby said.

 

To register for the ITBC CSI, please visit https://my.psa.org.au/s/csi-groups/interdisciplinary-teambased-care.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

TAS pharmacists ready to immunise +12 years against COVID-19

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmanian Branch welcomes advice from the Tasmanian Department of Health on Friday that pharmacists will be able to administer the Moderna vaccine to Tasmanians 12 years and older.

 

Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine is expected to start arriving at approved Tasmanian pharmacies later this week, with all approved pharmacies expected to have the vaccines by the end of September. The vaccine will be available for anyone aged 12-59.

 

PSA Tasmanian Branch Vice President, Shane Jackson, welcomed this announcement.

 

“Tasmania’s vaccination rate continues to track well against other jurisdictions. With local pharmacies exclusively set to receive the first doses of Moderna around the country, this allows pharmacists to administer the Moderna vaccine to those aged 12 and over – improving vaccine accessibility for Tasmanians.

 

“The data shows that pharmacists have played a significant role in the rollout thus far, and with increased vaccine choice, pharmacists, as one of our most accessible healthcare workforces, must continue to play a key role in vaccinating younger Australians,” Mr Jackson said.

 

PSA looks forward to the arrival of the Moderna vaccine over the coming days and is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

 

Approved pharmacies offering the Moderna vaccine from 12 years and older will be loaded on the COVID-19 Eligibility Checker later this month https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccinations surge, reaching 500k

Pharmacists across the country have achieved yet another significant milestone in the vaccine rollout, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

 

Pharmacists have now administered over 500k COVID-19 vaccines through community pharmacies, this is in addition to the many thousands administered by pharmacists in vaccination hubs, General Practice and other settings.

 

The National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), A/Prof Chris Freeman, commended Australia’s pharmacist immunisers for their continued efforts, and welcomed the additional 1 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, announced by the Morrison Government yesterday.

 

“In just a few short weeks, pharmacists have administered over half a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Australians – and I applaud all of the country’s pharmacist immunisers for their dedication to protecting their communities, especially those in hotspot areas where the risk of exposure remains high.

 

“With Moderna becoming available exclusively in community pharmacies over the next few weeks, and with pharmacists now allowed to vaccinate those over the age of 12 with Moderna, we expect these numbers to grow rapidly.

 

“PSA commends Minister Hunt and the Morrison Government for securing an additional 1 million doses of supply, ensuring that the first group of approved Australian pharmacies are well stocked with Moderna in order to protect their communities against this disease.

 

“As the data shows, pharmacists have put a significant dent in vaccination targets already – and with increased vaccine choice, they will play a significant role in further reducing the ambivalence and hesitancy amongst their local communities.

 

“As there is now a third of eligible Australian’s vaccinated with two doses, we have some way to go before we can rest easy, but I know the pharmacist profession is up to the challenge,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

PSA looks forward to the rollout of the Moderna vaccine and is dedicated to supporting pharmacists in delivering all COVID-19 vaccines both safely and effectively to the public.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

PSA CSI Week: The Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice Forum

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has officially opened its Communities of Specialty Interest (CSI) Week, launching the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) CSI.

 

The CSIs are an important way for members to help contribute toward, and debate key issues affecting the sustainability of the profession. For a long time, members have been calling for a forum to support collaboration, innovation, and strategic progression of various clinical practice areas in pharmacy. 

 

PSA members may apply to join a CSI group and benefit from the strategic advice, support, and dedication of its leadership and practice groups. PSA members are critical to the future of pharmacy and to the evolving roles and remuneration within the profession.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, officially opened CSI Week.

 

“PSA21 saw the successful launch of the Early Career Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest, and I am delighted to announce the opening of CSI Week today. 

 

“These CSIs provide an opportunity for PSA members to discuss and advise the PSA of current and emerging practice needs and specialty interests of pharmacists. 

 

“The principle focus of the CSIs is to provide a pharmacist’s perspective in a defined practice area, and to support the vision and mission of the PSA relating to that practice. 

 

“Today, we are announcing the first group of the week, and second in the sequence, the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice CSI. This group is now live, and I strongly encourage all PSA members practicing in community pharmacy to sign up and have your voices heard,” A/Prof Freeman said. 

 

CCPP CSI Chair, Dr Fei Sim, announced the Contemporary Community Pharmacy Practice forum.

 

“There has been a paradigm shift in community pharmacy practice. To meet the needs of patients, consumers, and the overall health system in Australia, the role of community pharmacists has expanded beyond medicine supply.

 

“The CCPP-CSI aims to identify and articulate the complexities, opportunities, and challenges facing community pharmacy within contemporary practice environments. The forum seeks to identify where further support is needed for pharmacists as they face significant organisational, economic and technological change.

 

“This group serves as a platform to enable community pharmacy practice development in an effective and sustainable manner moving forward.

 

“Community pharmacists can no longer be reclusive in our practice, and we need to work together to gain the roles, recognition, and remuneration we deserve – and we are in it together.

 

“Pharmacies and pharmacists are integral to local communities. Whilst the pandemic has highlighted the invaluable and paramount role played by community pharmacists, it has accentuated gaps in our practice which warrant improvement.

 

“This CSI group serves to bring passionate, invested, and interested members together to debate and guide future development of this practice area. I call on you, our PSA members, to join the CCPP CSI Group, and be in this journey to make waves and a positive impact,” Dr Sim said.

 

To register for the CCPP CSI, please visit psa.org.au/csi. 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

QLD pharmacists ready to immunise +12 years against COVID-19

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch welcomes advice from Queensland Health this week that pharmacists will be able to administer the Moderna vaccine to Queenslanders 12 years and older.

 

Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine is expected to start arriving at approved Queensland pharmacies by the end of next week, and in all approved pharmacies by the end of September.

 

PSA Queensland Branch also welcomed the removal of barriers in age and location of where a pharmacist immuniser can administer COVID-19 vaccines, allowing a greater number of pharmacists to contribute to the rollout, improving vaccine accessibility for Queenslanders.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, welcomed this announcement.

 

“Queensland needs the entire immunisation workforce to come together in order to meet COVID-19 vaccination targets, and this new advice from Queensland Health allows pharmacists to play an even greater role in the vaccination strategy.

 

“The Palaszczuk Government was the first to allow pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. It is great that Queensland is again showing leadership, with pharmacists able to administer any TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, in all location’s vaccines are provided, to all TGA-approved ages during the pandemic to support the COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

 

“PSA Queensland has a proud history of working productively with the Queensland Government and will continue to work closely with Queensland Health to maximise the utilisation of pharmacists,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

Approved pharmacies offering the Moderna vaccine from 12 years and older will be loaded on the COVID-19 Eligibility Checker later this month https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker.

 

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

R U OK? Day: Ask your pharmacist if they’re ok

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the Australian public to check in with their local pharmacist, and reminds all pharmacists that support is available.

 

Today, 9th September, is R U OK? Day, the annual occasion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others navigate through difficult times in their lives.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, paid tribute to the efforts of Australian pharmacists since the pandemic began, and drew attention to the stresses that they face on a daily basis.

 

“If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, it is the extreme stress that is placed on healthcare systems and the healthcare workforce, including pharmacists.

 

“Pharmacists, as Australia’s most accessible healthcare workforce, are subjected to immense pressure every day of the week. Comparatively low wages, extended working hours, constant regulatory and practice changes, along with verbal and physical abuse from patients are all contributing factors leading to burnout within the profession.

 

“Pharmacists in all settings are dealing with frequent out of stocks, considerable changes to workflow, and wearing of PPE to reduce the risk of transmission to themselves, their team and their patients. In order to meet rapidly changing demand, they are having to rationalise medicines and medical equipment for the most vulnerable patients, adding another level of stress to an already demanding job.

 

“Given the high degree of risk associated with our profession, pharmacist welfare is something that is often overlooked. Most of us have seen footage in the media where pharmacists or pharmacy staff have been threatened by violence, and whilst these aren’t common occurrences, it is unnerving nonetheless.

 

“Working as a pharmacist is not an easy task, and the perception that individual pharmacies generate significant revenue is not the case – it is a very fine line between success and failure, and pharmacists are some of the hardest working members of the health care team. Challenges that they face have significant flow on effects for their staff, family, and Australians seeking accessible care.

 

“Pharmacists have stood tall during the pandemic, keeping their doors open so patients can continue to access their medicines experts, particularly when other health professionals were not available.

 

“The welfare of Australian pharmacists will always be the number one priority for the PSA.

 

“I would also like to remind everyone that PSA offers support and professional advice through our Pharmacist to Pharmacist Support Line on 1300 369 772, in addition to the Pharmacists’ Support Service on 1300 244 910.

 

“I call on all Australians to be mindful of the pressures that their pharmacists face and encourage you all to ask your pharmacist if they’re ok – remembering that a conversation can quite literally change a life,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463

Time to remove NIP influenza barriers in QLD

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland Branch calls for expanded access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) seasonal influenza vaccines through community pharmacy.

 

At present, those over the age of 65 are not able to access the ATAGI-preferred influenza vaccine from their local pharmacy, as it has only been available through General Practice in recent years.

 

PSA Queensland Branch President, Shane MacDonald, said that creating more opportunities for patients to access immunisations from pharmacists will improve the health and wellness of Queenslanders.

 

“As we prepare for 2022, allowing community pharmacist immunisers to provide NIP-funded influenza vaccines will increase vaccination rates and herd immunity to influenza within the state, preventing death and hospitalisations in those aged over 65 years.

 

“As we have seen since pharmacists started providing influenza vaccines, immunisation rates have risen in the adult population overall.

 

“Currently, over 20 percent of this age group is not vaccinated against influenza. We expect that expanding access to vaccinations will see a 10-20 percent increase in coverage for the over 65 population.

 

“As we have seen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pharmacists are a critical part of the vaccination workforce. It is time to align the funding and regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccinations with that of all other authorised immunisers,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

PSA will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to improve accessibility to the seasonal influenza vaccine, ultimately improving access for vulnerable Australians.

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463