Pharmacies in Melton and Moorabool are among the first in Victoria to offer the Moderna vaccine.
UFS pharmacies in Melton, Melton South, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan have been invited to participate in the initial roll-out after the federal government secured 25 million doses of the mRNA jab – otherwise known as Spikevax – with 10 million to be supplied this year.
UFS chief pharmacist Peter Fell expects uptake to be strong, with as many appointments to be made as possible depending on stock and staffing limits.
A TGA spokesperson said the Moderna vaccine had been approved for individuals 18 and over, while data relating to 12 to 17-year-olds was still underway.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends the two vaccine doses be administered 28 days apart.
Approved community pharmacies are also administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination.
The AstraZeneca jab is recommended for those aged 60 and over, and those aged 18 to 59 in outbreak areas where Moderna is not available.
Vaccine appointments at community pharmacies are to be arranged directly with participating pharmacies.
Pharmacy 4 Less Sunbury manager Abdul Azzam said his branch received its first batch of 500 doses on, September 22.
“Even before it arrived we had heaps of people asking, so we were already taking down their details so they had priority booking when it came in,” he said.
“We’re getting very close to booking out most days.
“Moderna is the way to go if you haven’t already been vaccinated. It’s highly effective and safe.”
Mr Azzam said he understood the Moderna jab had minimal side effects, which may include general soreness and a fever after the second dose.
For more information on the Moderna vaccine, visit: www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-spikevax-elasomeran
To book an appointment visit www.ufs.com.au/vaccine
Benjamin Millar and Oliver Lees
