Coronavirus vaccine Victoria: Trainee doctors, nurses and paramedics to boost program

Victoria’s Covid vaccine rollout is set to be massively ramped up as a slew of health professionals is drafted to help administer the jab.

Trainee and recently retired doctors, nurses and paramedics are being recruited to nearly double capacity of Victoria’s coronavirus vaccine rollout.

The Herald Sun can also reveal the state government has held discussions with the commonwealth about beginning immunisations at more than a dozen chemists in remote regional and outer urban areas.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has written to national cabinet requesting it “immediately activate” community pharmacies in the vaccine rollout Australia-wide.

Final-year medical, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine and pharmacy students are being asked to take help administer the vaccine in Victoria.

Pharmacists and health professionals who have recently retired are also part of the call to arms.

They’ll complete special training and be supervised.

Victoria’s vaccination program is set for a boost as retired and trainee doctors, nurses and paramedics join the rollout.

Health Minister Martin Foley said: “We know there’s a wealth of medical knowledge and experience in Victoria, which is why we’re calling on all eligible healthcare workers to join our growing workforce at high-volume vaccination sites.”

“Whether you’re a pharmacists or technician, a health professional who has recently retired, or a final-year medical, nursing, midwifery, paramedicine or pharmacy student – please come forward and help vaccinate Victoria,’’ Mr Foley said.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia on Thursday wrote to national cabinet calling for community pharmacies to join the vaccine rollout.

It says despite more than 3900 pharmacies nationwide being deemed suitable to administer vaccines fewer than 50 were being used — all in Queensland.

“We write with increasing concern that vaccine hesitancy and frustration is growing in Australia as the community is unable to easily access vaccinations,’’ the guild wrote.

“Community pharmacies stand ready, willing and able to support the vaccination rollout.

“Community pharmacists are highly trained, trusted and easily accessible health professionals and yet are being ignored.

“We call on the national cabinet to immediately activate community pharmacies across Australia as Covid-19 vaccinators.”

People wanting to get a vaccine have faced waits of up to six hours at some centres.

It’s understood pharmacies are expected to join the rollout in coming weeks.

After productive talks, the federal government is waiting on final paperwork from Victoria to tick off on the expansion.

The pharmacies will likely receive about 100-200 vaccine doses a week to begin, with supplies based on the levels provided to local GPs.

“We understand the Victorian government is currently identifying areas in Victoria where there is no vaccine administration sites currently that community pharmacies could be activated to deliver Covid-19 vaccines to these communities,” a spokeswoman for Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“We look forward to working with the Victorian Government once these locations and community pharmacies have been identified.”

Meanwhile people who get vaccinated could be eligible to win a Melbourne shopping and dining experience under a proposal by Lord Mayor Sally Capp to increase the number of those getting the jab.

Cr Capp has proposed a motion to councillors for Tuesday’s night meeting to provide a “premium” incentive to increase Covid vaccinations and revive the city centre.

“We want Melbourne to become the most vaccinated city in Australia so we can move beyond lockdowns and restrictions, stay open, bring back the buzz and build confidence for local businesses, residents and tourists,’’ Cr Capp said.

The details of the offering have not been finalised but it’s expected that vaccinated Melburnians would go into a draw for retail and dining vouchers.

“The City of Melbourne is going to do what it can to assist the vaccination campaign and encourage eligible Melburnians to get a vax.

“A vaccinated Victoria is vital for our city to thrive.

“Enticing offers will be part of the mix to provide another incentive to get vaccinated and visit Melbourne.”

Professionals wanting to join the vaccine rollout can register at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-program-workforce.

— With additional reporting by Ian Royall

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