Pharmacy Swine Flu Trial Moves Into Phase II - Pharmaceutical Society Of Australia

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Immune System / Vaccines;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 11 Mar 2010 - 1:00 PST

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The first phase of a swine flu vaccination program trial conducted in Tasmania by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Department of Health and Human Services has proved popular with the community. Phase II of the pandemic vaccination program will now be rolled out to allow pharmacy-based clinics to support other elements of the swine flu vaccination program.

During Phase I last month, more than 2500 patients were vaccinated at five pharmacies by nurse immunisers in just one week.

President of the PSA Tasmanian Branch Dr Shane Jackson said the trial clearly demonstrated the value of pharmacies being used as locations for swine flu vaccination clinics.

"Patient feedback from Phase I showed that many respondents said that 'ease of access' was a key benefit of pharmacy-based clinics. Many patients with chronic illness frequent pharmacies and the pilot program allowed them to have a swine flu vaccination in the normal course of their day," Dr Jackson said.

"This meant a greater number of people received vaccinations than would otherwise have been the case.

"Most patients were able to walk into the pharmacy and have a vaccination without having to wait around for appointments, although based on feedback an appointment schedule will be employed for Phase II."

Phase II of the trial will run Thursday March 25 to Saturday March 27 in the five original participating pharmacies. From Thursday April 8 to Saturday April 10 it will be rolled out to a limited number of additional pharmacies based on need and existing local service capacity.

"During Phase II the vaccination clinics will be clustered around after-school hours and weekends which proved to be the most popular times for patients to have their vaccinations during Phase I," Dr Jackson said.

Suitable pharmacy locations will have a private clinic room, a patient waiting area, and the ability to employ a (program funded) staff member to manage clinic appointments.

The DHHS and the Pharmaceutical Society will be seeking eligible pharmacies located in areas where there has been a low uptake of swine flu vaccinations such as the North-West Coast, the North East and the West Coast of Tasmania for Phase II.

Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia