Australians to access medicines without a prescription during COVID-19

31 March 2020

 

All Australians will be able to access their essential medicines continued by a pharmacist at PBS prices if their prescription has run out under continued dispensing arrangements announced by the Federal Government today.

 

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman welcomed the announcement made by the government which will see continued dispensing arrangements extended until at least the end of June and the implementation of medicine substitution when medicines are out of stock following consultation with states and territories.

 

“This will enable Australians to continue access their vital medicines as a “one-off” in an emergency if they cannot get a prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

 

“Subject to professional guidelines and state and territory regulation, the initiative allows for a standard pack size of most ongoing prescription medicines to be provided, usually equivalent to one month’s supply.

 

PSA has been working with the Federal Government to ensure the emergency measure is extended during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Medicines supplied under this arrangement are available at regular PBS prices – standard co-payments being $6.60 for concession card holders, and up to a maximum of $41 for general patients.

 

A/Prof Freeman congratulated the coordination of states and territories and the Commonwealth on working to enact the regulatory changes required in relation to both PBS funding and legality of supply and noted that it is understood that all states and territories if not already aligned intend to have aligning legislation.

 

“While this announcement is welcomed by PSA, we will continue to call for permanent emergency supply provisions of this nature.

 

“Whether it be a bushfire, pandemic or any other emergency, Australians need to be confident they can access medicines in an emergency from the time they strike.

 

“We will continue to work with the Federal Government, in collaboration with its state and territory counterparts, after this crisis subsides to permanently incorporate effective and nationally consistent emergency supply provisions.”

 

“As front line health professionals, pharmacists continue to play a vital role during the current COVID-19 pandemic and it is important they receive all the tools necessary to ensure they can deliver services in a timely manner that meets the health care needs of their patients and the community.”

 

The Federal Government also announced it will be implementing changes to allow community pharmacists to substitute dose strengths or forms of medicines without prior approval from the prescribing doctor, if a medicine is unavailable at the time of dispensing.

 

“PSA strongly supports this announcement having worked in partnership with the Department of Health and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia for this much needed change.
“We will continue to work with the Government on the implantation of this common sense initiative.”

 

Media contact: 0487 922 176

 

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Prescribing Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19

Saturday, 21 March 2020

 

Open letter to Prescribers

 

As the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) representing Australia’s 32,000 Pharmacists, we are providing this open letter to all Australian prescribers regarding the Prescribing hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.

 

On the background of some promising data showing the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 and with President Trump’s announcement yesterday, 20 March 2020, that the drug hydroxychloroquine may support the care of patients affected by COVID-19, Australian community pharmacies have seen unprecedented demand for the drug.

 

PSA is receiving reports from Australian pharmacists that they are receiving prescriptions from: doctors prescribing for other doctors and their families; as well as dentists prescribing to the community and their families; Non-medical prescribers prescribing bulk amounts of the drug. If this medication does indeed have the efficacy that we would desire against COVID-19 then it needs to be prescribed and used judiciously. The stock of this medication needs to be managed effectively and utilised for those who may genuinely need it.

 

Our strong advice to pharmacists at this point in time, until further advice is available, is to refuse the dispensing of hydroxychloroquine if there is not a genuine need, and that need is for those indications for what it is approved for – inflammatory conditions or the suppression and treatment of malaria The current stock of hydroxychloroquine needs to be managed sensibly, it needs to be available for those who are currently being prescribed this medicine, and it may also be needed for treatment of COVID-19 in the future. We are urging pharmacists to manage their existing stock if they have it sensibly, ensuring those who are currently prescribed the medicine have an existing supply.

 

PSA will continue to work with the Minister for Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with regards to the appropriate management of national stockpiles and medicines stock in Australia. PSA would like to keep safe any stock of hydroxychloroquine held in local pharmacies – so it is available to treat patients who genuinely need this medicine. The only way this is possible is for prescribers to not write prescriptions for this medicine as a ‘just in case’ measure and for pharmacists to refuse the supply outside of these indications at this point in time.

 

While the data may not yet be clear, if hydroxychloroquine is shown to be effective for COVID-19, we want every dose available to treat those who may require it.

 

Yours sincerely,

Associate Professor Chris Freeman

PSA National President

 

Media contact: PSA media:  0487 922 176

 

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Limits on dispensing to ensure equitable access of medicines

19 March 2020

 

From today, pharmacists will be enforcing Federal Government direction to limit dispensing and sales of prescriptions and certain over the counter medicines for the benefit of all Australians.

 

These limits will apply to particular classes of medicines for which unavailability would result in significant health impacts for patients should treatment be interrupted or delayed.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said limiting the dispensing of prescription and over-the-counter products to one month’s supply was necessary to address the issue of people stockpiling medicines due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The Government has made it clear to the public that it is critical to stop stockpiling medicine to protect the access of medicines to all Australians,” he said.

 

“Demand for medicines has increased considerably in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which has the potential for numerous product lines to be out of stock and some pharmacists are being pressured and abused to provide unsafe quantities of medicine.”

 

“There is currently no anticipation of widespread national medicine shortages, however if current levels of demand through excessive purchasing continue, supply interruptions will occur which is why these measures have been put in place.

 

“We need to put the brakes on selfish buying, some members of the community, who are stockpiling medicines, are abusing pharmacists and this clearly needs to stop.

 

“A bold decision has been made today to start putting a limit on the sale of certain medicines.”

 

Pharmacists will be asked to limit dispensing of certain prescription products to one months’ supply at the prescribed dose, and sales of certain over-the-counter medicines to a maximum of one unit per purchase.

 

In addition, pharmacists will be strongly encouraged to limit dispensing and sales of all other medicines to one months’ supply or one unit.

 

Dispensing of multiple repeats is only permitted for valid Regulation 49 prescriptions, which must only be written by prescribers when hardship provisions apply.

 

Associate Professor Freeman said pharmacists were working in the interests of the community and patients and it was important they were treated with respect.

 

“Pharmacists are working in the best interests of the community and their patients. The current supply network for medicines is adequate to meet demand and if we all do the right thing there will be enough medicines for all who need them.”

 

Media contact: PSA Media: 0487 922 176

 

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Victorians to be better protected by removing barriers to vaccination by pharmacists

12 March 2020

 

Pharmacists will now be able to protect more Victorians against vaccine-preventable diseases in a move announced by the Victorian Government today that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

For the first time, trained pharmacists in Victoria will be able to administer Meningococcal ACWY to people aged 15 years and over. The minimum age for pharmacist-administered measles-mumps-rubella and whooping cough vaccines has been lowered to people aged 15 years (previously 16 years)

 

In addition, as previously announced by Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos last year, trained pharmacists will also be able to administer influenza vaccinations to people aged 10 years and above (previously 16 years and over). All changes will come into effect on 1 April 2020.

 

Changes to the Secretary Approval: Pharmacist Immunisers gazetted today will also allow greater flexibility for pharmacists to provide vaccinations via mobile and outreach services of a hospital, pharmacy or pharmacy depot.

 

PSA Victorian President John Jackson welcomed the move to increase access to pharmacist-administered vaccinations services in Victoria, and in particular to formally lower the minimum vaccination age from 16 years to 10 years for influenza vaccinations in readiness for the 2020 influenza season.

 

“At a time when our health care system is under extreme pressure, increasing options for Victorians to access vaccination services is extremely helpful,” Mr Jackson said.

 

“Our members have experienced parent’s frustrations in recent influenza seasons where it was difficult to arrange access for their children to get their seasonal influenza vaccine and these changes will go a long way to addressing this hurdle.”

 

Mr Jackson commended the government’s decision to allow pharmacists to protect more Victorians from influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

“Pharmacists are well trained in the administration of these vaccines and are more accessible to the community than any other health provider. Pharmacists have become an integral part of Victoria’s vaccination provider network, and these changes will allow pharmacists to make a greater contribution to increasing immunity in our community,” he said.

 

PSA commends the Victorian Government and the Department of Health and Human Services for continuing to support the use of pharmacists’ expertise and training.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has advocated for many years, including most recently in PSA’s Victorian pre-budget submission, to allow pharmacists to deliver more vaccinations to a wider age range of patients. We will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government to remove more barriers which restrict pharmacists from administering other vaccines to protect the Victorian community.”

 

Media contact: Stefanie Johnston 0417 910 738

 

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Leading NSW pharmacists honoured

Friday, 6 March 2020

 

Forbes based pharmacist Sarah Hazell has received the NSW pharmacist of the year award at the Annual Celebration of Excellence in Pharmacy, hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

PSA NSW Branch President Professor Peter Carroll presented the award to Ms Hazell at the Crown Plaza in Terrigal on Friday night.

 

Jennifer Culverson won the NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the year award and Michael Flannery was presented with the NSW Lifetime Achievement honour.

 

Professor Carroll congratulated Ms Hazell for her continued commitment in providing positive health outcomes to the local community.

 

“Sarah has a great understanding of the Forbes local community and has shown a real focus on developing not just pharmacists’ career progressions but also pharmacy assistants, nurses and dispensary technicians,” said Professor Carroll.

 

“Among many of her achievements, Sarah has enhanced indigenous health by initiating a QUMAX agreement with local medical centres, also developing a health hub with health professionals utilising clinic rooms such as Podiatrists, a Registered Nurse, an Audiometrist and Physiotherapists.

 

“Sarah is a leader in her community and a mentor to young pharmacists and is a well-deserved winner of this award.”

 

Jennifer Culverson from Orange was also recognised for her achievements, receiving the NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the Year award.

 

“Not only is Jennifer heavily involved in the education of pharmacy students at Charles Sturt University, she has also played a key role within the respiratory space on the medical ward at Orange Health Service over the past twelve months,” Professor Carroll said.

 

“Jennifer has the upmost respect from her colleagues and has shown outstanding commitment to expand the pharmacists’ role within the hospital setting through research and innovation.

 

“Over a period of time, Jennifer has demonstrated admirable qualities and displayed a high level of drive, determination and passion to extend the role of a pharmacist in the rapidly changing field of healthcare.”

 

Jennifer was also the recipient of the PSA/Bayer ECP grant valued at $8,500, which supports early career pharmacists in attending the main conference program at PSA’s Offshore Conference in Edinburgh and Belfast in 2020.

 

Professor Carroll also congratulated Sydney based pharmacist Michael Flannery who was presented with the NSW Lifetime Achievement award.

 

“Michael is the perfect example of the community pharmacist and has shown terrific passion and dedication to the pharmacy profession over many years.

 

“Managing Director and founder of Instigo, Micahel is also the founder of Pharmacy Catalyst and CEO of Life Pharmacy Group that has numerous examples of partners who Michael has mentored and supported from school student, through cadetship, to intern to Pharmacist and through to owner.

 

“Michael has also represented the pharmacy industry nationally and internationally as well as sitting on a number of committees and working groups.”

 

PSA Contact: Simone Diamandis: 0414 574 754

Government decision will protect more SA children from influenza

Friday, 6 March 2020

 

South Australian children will have increased access to life saving vaccinations thanks to changes in pharmacists’ scope of practice announced today by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Stephen Wade.

 

“Last year we saw South Australia hit by one of the worst flu seasons on record and the best way to protect our community in the future is through immunisation,” Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) South Australian President, Robyn Johns said.

 

“The more barriers we can remove to people getting vaccinated the better. The goal is herd immunity, having as many members of our community protected from infectious diseases like the flu as possible.

 

“Research shows consumers find pharmacies highly accessible because there is usually one in our neighbourhood or nearby and they are generally open longer hours than other primary health care services.

 

“Pharmacists already provide a range of vaccinations including flu vaccinations for South Australians 16 years and over. Now, pharmacists can extend this proven, safe service to children 10 years of age and above.”

 

“The Government is to be commended for bringing South Australia into line with pharmacist vaccination in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania, leading the way for other jurisdictions.”

 

Pharmacists authorised to provide vaccination services are trained in the administration of medicines. Pharmacists’ training to administer vaccines is similar to that completed by other health care professionals. The administration of vaccines by pharmacists complements the excellent work done by GPs, nurses, indigenous health workers and other immunisers.

 

“We believe this decision will protect more South Australians from influenza by increasing immunisation rates within our community at a time when people are concerned about protecting themselves from the communicable diseases,” Ms Johns said.

 

“We need people to be protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly at this time when there are concerns about the impact of coronavirus in our community.”

 

PSA continues to advocate for a national approach to pharmacist administered vaccinations to reduce confusion, ensure better access for patients to quality vaccination services and utilise the pharmacist workforce appropriately.

 

Media contact: Helen Stone, 0418 846 426

Pharmacists to boost influenza vaccination rates for children in NSW

Pharmacists in New South Wales will be able to administer the influenza vaccination to children aged 10 and above, in a move announced by the NSW Government that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

PSA NSW Branch President, Professor Peter Carroll, congratulated NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on today’s announcement to enable pharmacists to better protect the community from influenza from mid-March.

 

“This is a significant announcement from the NSW Government and will protect younger children from influenza and significantly increase immunisation rates in the state,” he said.

 

“During 2019, NSW recorded the highest confirmed cases of influenza in Australia with children particularly susceptible to the flu. Studies have found that less than a third of children are being immunised each flu season and influenza causes a substantial number of ICU admissions in Australian children each year.”

 

Professor Carroll said NSW children would now be better protected from influenza as today’s announcement would allow families greater access to the vaccine and was particularly timely with the upcoming flu season.

 

“Allowing pharmacists to vaccinate makes it more convenient for families, providing greater access to the influenza vaccine and improving rates of immunisation,” he said.

 

“Already, this year there has been 4,725 confirmed cases of influenza in NSW and with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter influenza, this move will help to bolster immunity in NSW.

 

“Boosting vaccination rates and preventing influenza outbreaks can ease pressure on our GP surgeries and hospital emergency departments.

 

Professor Carroll said as the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has previously advocated, including most recently in PSA’s NSW pre-budget submission, to allow pharmacists to improve access to influenza vaccinations for adolescents.

 

“PSA commends the NSW Government and NSW Health for continuing to progress recommendations made to better protect the community,” he said.

 

Media contact: PSA NSW State Manager, Simone Diamandis – (02) 9431 1100

Leading SA and NT pharmacists honoured

Respected Northern Territory pharmacist Shelley Forester has received the SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year Award at the Annual Celebration of Excellence in Pharmacy hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, the Hon Stephen Wade MLC presented the award to Ms Forester at the Adelaide Pavilion on Friday night.

 

Dr Renly Lim from South Australia won the SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist Development Award and Raymond Truong was presented with the 2019 PSA Gold Medal.

 

PSA SA/NT President Robyn Johns congratulated Ms Forester and commended her significant contribution in the establishment and operation of the Maningrida Pharmacy service with Mala’la Health Service in 2014.

 

“This service was a pioneer of how a community pharmacy and an ACCHO can collaborate to improve the access to a pharmacist for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Ms Johns.

 

“Shelley has been a longtime supporter of the NT Pharmacy Program and is a critical supporter of local PSA initiatives including the Early Career Pharmacist and My Health Record.”

 

“Not only is Shelley a terrific mentor for early career pharmacists but she has also shown a commitment in hiring NT interns and is a worthy recipient for the SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year award in recognition of her tireless dedication to NT Pharmacy.”

 

President elect of the Young Pharmacists’ Group FIP Dr Renly Lim received the SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist Development Award.

 

“Dr Lim is an outstanding early career research pharmacist who is significantly contributing to the development of the pharmacy profession nationally and internationally,” said Ms Johns.

 

“Not only is Dr Lim an existing leader for young pharmacists internationally, she was also lead author of PSA’s Medicine Safety report, providing the evidence which led to quality use of medicines and medicine safety becoming Australia’s 10^th national health priority.”

 

Ms Johns also congratulated PSA Gold Medal winner Raymond Truong, who completed the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of South Australia in 2019.

 

“Raymond is entering his intern year and is a well-deserved winner of the 2019 PSA Gold Medal Award.”

 

Media contact: Helen Stone 0418846426

 

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