Participating pharmacies already engaged in the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) COVID-19 vaccination program received funding support from NQPHN to conduct the in-reach vaccination services at RACHs.
Through the program, NQPHN facilitated 20 separate visits to RACHs between July and November 2023, enabling the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to residents in need.
In collaboration with pharmacy partners, access to vaccines was provided to 16 RACHs, resulting in the administration of 788 doses to aged care residents.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney expressed his satisfaction with the program's outcomes.
"The Pharmacy RACH Vaccination Program reflects our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of elderly individuals residing in RACHs,” he said.
“By collaborating with pharmacies, we have successfully expanded vaccine access and contributed significantly to reducing infection rates among vulnerable residents in our communities.
“The success of this initiative reaffirms NQPHN's commitment to promoting public health and underscores the importance of collaborative endeavours in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Aged care provider Bolton Clarke received vaccination visits from three separate pharmacy groups across its homes in Cairns, Bowen, and Townsville, supporting strong vaccination rates.
Bolton Clarke Director of Operations FNQ Myreen Bevan emphasised the program's significance in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
"Our partnership with NQPHN has enabled us to achieve commendable vaccination rates across our RACHs,” she said.
“This initiative underscores the collective efforts to protect our aged care residents against COVID-19.”
Ramsay Pharmacy played a key role in the program’s roll-out of vaccinations in RACHs.
“At Ramsay Pharmacy, we are proud to have played an integral part of this important vaccination program, working to ensure elderly residents received the protection they needed against COVID-19,” said Ramsay Cairns Pharmacy Manager Dianne Allenet.
“Our team is dedicated to serving our local communities, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all residents."
