Two Northern Rivers pharmacies to start offering Covid vaccines

The two outlets are part of a new state government project to offer the vaccine in 22 towns that only have one pharmacy.

Pharmacist James Smith Coraki Pharmacy at Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Two Northern Rivers pharmacies will start offering the free Astra Zeneca Covid vaccine from next week.

Coraki Pharmacy and Soul Pattinson Chemist in Kyogle have been approved to be part of the new rollout service in NSW.

The two outlets are part of a new NSW Government project to offer the vaccine in 22 towns that only have one pharmacy.

Pharmacist James Smith from Coraki Pharmacy said the outlet will start vaccinating sometime next week.

“We will have 300 vaccines come in, and we can vaccinate anybody over the age of 60, plus anybody over the age of 40 who has discussed their personal situation with their GPs and want to be part of the rollout,” he said.

“We already have a waiting list of more than 40 people ready to get vaccinated.

“This service will be available to anyone in the area who is able to get the vaccine, not only to Coraki residents, but of course people have given us feedback that in a small town it is much easier and safe for them to access it here instead of a big shopping centre in a bigger town.”

Mr Smith said the best way to book was by calling 02 6683 2037 or to walk in to book an appointment at 55 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Coraki.

In Kyogle, pharmacist Liam Bonner said his outlet was getting ready to offer the vaccine to the approximately 6000 people living in Kyogle and other villages nearby, such as Woodenbong.

He said the best way to book was to phone [phone], or to use the healthdirect eligibility checker.

“We will ensure all vaccines are used, so we will also allow walk-ins on our clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, depending on demand and supply,” he said.

“We already have a waiting list of more than 50 people, and we expect demand to be high.”

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said earlier this month there is currently significant demand for vaccination bookings across NSW and this new pathway will make it easier for people right across the state to get their jab.

“I want to reassure the community that everyone in NSW who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated as soon as possible when it’s their turn,” Mr Hazzard said.

Community pharmacies will need to meet certain standards in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines. These include:

• Must not supply or administer the vaccine to a person who is under the age of 60, or a patient with a contraindication or precaution to vaccination;
• Written consent from a patient;
• Mandatory training for vaccinators;
• Recording of each vaccination; and
• Conduct vaccinations under approved practice standards.

It is expected additional pharmacies will join the COVID-19 vaccination program in the future. This also paves the way for pharmacies to further assist NSW in supporting the Commonwealth Government’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.