NDIA and Pharmacy Guild work together to boost NDIS vaccination rates

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and The Pharmacy Guild Australia have joined forces to make it easier for NDIS participants to book and access COVID-19 vaccinations through local pharmacies.

Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said it was another important step in protecting the disability community from the virus – and in increasing the number of vaccinated participants.

“This important partnership with the Pharmacy Guild will make it easier for participants who can, and choose, to be vaccinated to book and receive that vaccination, knowing they are supported in doing so,” Minister Reynolds said.

“We know that, for some participants, having their vaccination at their local pharmacy will suit their individual circumstances better.”

NDIS participants and providers will receive an easy access link or QR code for booking, through direct NDIA communications.

More than 3,500 community pharmacies begin to receive stocks of the Moderna vaccine this month, with one million doses expected to be available from community pharmacies next month – on top of existing Astra Zeneca supplies./p>

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said community pharmacists were readily accessible in local areas, highly skilled and well equipped to answer questions.

“We are now moving rapidly towards vaccination targets under the national plan,” Mr Twomey said.

“Rollout of vaccinations through community pharmacies has been a key to the acceleration of the national effort in recent months.

“This partnership between the Pharmacy Guild and the NDIA is all about protecting Australians, keeping them safe and well.”

“The recent arrival of Moderna stock is available to Australians 12 years and older, and is a major boost to the vaccination effort,” Mr Twomey said.

NDIS participants aged 18 years and over, who are eligible for the Moderna and Astra Zeneca vaccines, are encouraged to make an informed choice – including discussion with their health professional – ahead of booking their preferred vaccine.

The partnership is one a number of initiatives from the NDIA to support participants and disability workers to get their vaccinations.