Mixing vaccine providers poor option

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging patients to receive both COVID-19 vaccine doses from the same vaccinator.

It follows comments from the Queensland Government last week urging people to receive their first vaccine from their GP and their second in a pharmacy.

RACGP President Dr Karen Price said that mixing up vaccine providers doesn’t make sense.

“We need to get as many vaccinations done as soon as possible to combat this virus,” she said.

“If people opt to receive their vaccine from their GP or at a pharmacy, that is their choice. We need to ramp up our vaccination numbers so that must be the number one aim.

“However, it is vital that all people receive both vaccine doses from the same vaccinator. Continuity of care and patient safety must always be paramount, so receiving your jab from the same GP or pharmacy is the best option.

“We know that some communities are facing issues in terms of vaccine stock being available, but mixing and matching vaccinators will not resolve this problem. So please, get your first and second doses from the same vaccinator and play your part in keeping the community safe from harm.”

Pharmacy Guild National President Adjunct Professor Trent Twomey said that the most important thing was for people to get vaccinated.

“The reality is that vaccination is the way out of the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.

“And there is no wrong way to get vaccinated. There is no wrong door to enter to get your vaccination. There is no wrong vaccine to get.

“And increasingly the evidence is highlighting that there is no need for anyone to delay getting their vaccination while awaiting another brand as all are extremely effective.

“My message and that of all pharmacists and their fellow vaccinators is: ‘Just get vaccinated. If you’re over 18, get the vaccine’.”

The RACGP is providing information and resources on the vaccine to support GPs and patients. The information is available on the RACGP website.