TGA approval of Moderna booster doses welcomed

National President of the Pharmacy Guild, Trent Twomey, said: “The Guild welcomes the news that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has received provisional approval as it provides another option for eligible Australians to receive their booster vaccine.”

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) must provide final approval for use.

This provisional approval means individuals aged 18 years and older may receive a booster (third dose), at least six months after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary series. This primary series can be of any of the COVID-19 vaccines used Australia, although data on the use of the Moderna SPIKEVAX as a booster with other COVID-19 vaccines is more limited.

“The reality is, as the only healthcare professionals with access to Moderna until recently, the vast majority of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines administered was done so by a community pharmacist,” Mr Twomey said.

“Once approved by ATAGI, eligible Australians can return to their community pharmacist for their Moderna booster.

“Already, community pharmacists have been participating in the Pfizer booster program, and we are eager to expand our booster program to include Moderna as well.”

Community pharmacies have access to the full range of TGA-approved vaccines, including Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer, making access to vaccine choice, including for boosters, a reality in a community pharmacy setting.

“As Australia heads towards the holiday season, with borders reopening and people travelling, it is so important those who are yet to be vaccinated, get vaccinated, and those who need a booster get their booster to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Twomey said.

“Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and your family over the Christmas period, and you can receive your vaccine in a community pharmacy, near where you live.”

Appointments for initial vaccines or boosters can be made online by visiting Find a Pharmacy, or alternatively there are a number of walk-in options available, demonstrating the flexibility of community pharmacies in catering for the different schedules of all Australians.

TGA provisionally approved the Moderna booster dose following evaluation of the available data supporting safety and efficacy.  Australians who are immunocompromised, and people over the age of 12 can also receive a third dose at least 28 days after the second, according to the TGA.

Anyone administering a COVID-19 vaccine has undergone the Commonwealth’s mandatory training with the Australian College of Nurses on the specific vaccine being administered.

“Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals with years of experience. We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about and will keep an eye on you to make sure there are no adverse reactions, like any nurse or GP would,” Mr Twomey said.

“We’ve been doing this for the millions of Australians vaccinated in a community pharmacy already and will continue to do look after your health as we rollout the booster program.”