The Pharmacy Guild of Australia says the arrival of Moderna vaccines at pharmacies around the country is a game-changer for the national vaccination rollout because it will mean there is more supply than demand.
From today, the next-generation mRNA vaccines will be delivered to 3,600 pharmacies across Australia, starting with 1,800 this week.
The vaccine is available to everyone over 12 and is 93 per cent effective six months after a second dose.
Pharmacy Guild President Professor Trent Twomey said chemists across the country will be able to administer Moderna, including regions such as Cape York and the Torres Strait.
Stores well in regular vaccine fridges
Moderna uses similar technology to the Pfizer vaccine and is able to be stored for up to 30 days in a regular vaccine fridge after it has been defrosted.
Professor Trent Twomey said this means fortnightly drops will be made so that pharmacies will be able to move through supply.
"You still need to get two vaccinations to be fully immunised, 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine," he noted.
"When you go down to your local pharmacy and they provide you with your shot they will book you in then and there for your four-week dose number two."
He said people will be able to call up or book online and elect to get the Moderna vaccine, even if they are eligible for AstraZeneca.
"This is about providing choice for you and your family."
More supply than demand
Professor Twomey said the arrival of Moderna would significantly change the vaccine landscape for Australia.
"The program to date has been marked by more demand than we could supply. With the introduction of the next-generation mRNA vaccine … [we] will have more vaccines that we do demand."
Eleven million doses are expected to arrive in Australia by the end of the year.
Another 25 million are expected to arrive in 2022.
