Cairns Covid: Novavax vaccine rollout begins at FNQ pharmacies

The protein-based vaccine that many waited for has finally hit the shelf in Cairns and, one week on, pharmacists are already seeing a difference. WHO HAS NOVAVAX AND HOW TO BOOK

THE Covid-19 protein-based vaccine Novavax that many waited for has finally hit the shelf in Cairns and, after a week, pharmacists are already seeing people come through.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey said because the vaccination rate across Cairns had been so high there would be only a couple of thousand Far North Queenslanders waiting for the opportunity.

“We are seeing a small percentage of people who were waiting for the protein-based vaccine who weren’t comfortable to get one of the other two which is great,” he said.

Pharmacies can now administer the Novavax vaccine. Picture: Brendan Radke

“There is a lot of people who have been stood down because of mandatory vaccination rules who once they had two doses will be able to return to their jobs.

“There will be a couple of thousand Far North Queenslanders who have been waiting for the opportunity.”

Mr Twomey said with Omicron in the community it was heartening pharmacies could offer this vaccine.

“It is all about patient choice,” he said.

Novavax has not been approved for boosters yet but can be administered to those who need a primary dose of the vaccine.

Terry White Redlynch pharmacist Jonathan Flavier said the store first received the stock on Tuesday and had experienced steady interest.

“Majority of people coming in for the other vaccines are for the boosters, there aren’t as many people getting first doses of them,” he said.

Pharmacies are now administering Novavax, Moderna and Pfizer. Pharmacist manager of Alive Pharmacy Westcourt Ahmed Bastawesy with a vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Most people that are getting first doses is for the Novavax.”

Mr Flavier said they had plenty of stock.

“The word is still getting out there, we are expecting to see a lot more people coming through in the incoming weeks,” he said.

Discount Drug Store Earlville managing business partner Jason Christopher said it received a delivery on Wednesday.

“We have had plenty of inquiries over the last week or two,” he said.

Mr Christopher said there were booking slots available.

“They also have a long expiry which is unique compared to other vaccines,” he said.

Some pharmacies are still waiting for their shipment. WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods were expecting some stock next week.

Mr Twomey said pharmacies across Cairns had plenty of stock and bookings could be made at www.findapharmacy.com.au

Originally published as Cairns Covid: Novavax vaccine rollout begins at FNQ pharmacies