EMMA MCBRIDE MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CARERS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DOBELL

CENTRAL COAST PHARMACIES STILL WAITING FOR VACCINES

Community pharmacies on the Central Coast have been ready to roll out the vaccine for months, but now they’re being forced to wait because of the Federal Government’s supply issues.

Following today’s National Cabinet Meeting, the Prime Minister said they will start bringing more pharmacies into the vaccine program, but only when they had enough doses to go around.

“It’s frustrating to see the rollout being delayed in our region yet again,” Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride said.

“Coasties are already struggling to get access to vaccines, we’re facing a month-long lockdown because of this latest outbreak and yet the Government doesn’t see fit to help us get vaccinated.”

Some 1,200 pharmacies across NSW have already been deemed suitable to administer vaccines by the Federal Government and Pharmacy Guild spokesperson for the Central Coast, Rob King believes they should have been activated a long time ago.

“The rollout has been slow and should have included all community pharmacies from the outset,” he said.

“More sites delivering vaccinations means more people are protected and pharmacies are the most accessible health destinations.”

As a pharmacist of more than 20 years, Ms. McBride knows that pharmacies can help safely speed up the rollout.

“Scott Morrison doesn’t think this rollout is a race, but it is,” she said.

“In a community where one in five people are aged over 65, this is urgent.”

“I’m calling on the Government to supply pharmacies on the Coast now, so we can get more vaccines in arms and keep locals safe.”

16 JULY, 2021