Pharmacies in the Eurobodalla are struggling to meet the growing demand for COVID-19 booster vaccinations as case numbers continue to surge across NSW.
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Broulee Beach Pharmacy is booked out for booster vaccinations for the next month.
The shortage in available booking appointments is forcing people to wait beyond their eligibility dates, according to the Pharmacy.
"There is no issue of supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines," they said. "The issue is the labour force."
"In a rural area, there is a limited number of trained vaccinators."
"The government funding is inadequate. It hasn't been enough to allow us to seek further pharmacists."
The Pharmacy is stretched thin, trying to deal with supplying growing demand for rapid antigen tests (RATs) and supporting the vaccination role out all during their busiest season of the year.
"By becoming a vaccination centre we've taken on an additional service as well as our day to day work," they said.
"We're here for the community - so we didn't hesitate to take up the role (as vaccine providers) but it's a struggle."
Further south, Ballards Pharmacy Moruya is inundated with vaccination bookings.
They are administering 20 to 50 booster vaccines per day, and are booked out until March.
"The hardest part is telling people they are going to have to wait a few weeks for something we would normally do the next day," they said.
Bookings are only available on certain days when two pharmacists are working, because booster vaccinations constantly occupy one pharmacist.
"It's potentially unsafe (to be administering booster vaccines) unless you have two pharmacists on the floor," they said.
"Answering calls about boosters takes a lot of time out of the other staff on the floor, too. It really increases the work load."
Hiring extra pharmacists, trained to administer vaccines, is no easy task, especially in a rural area.
"Finding pharmacists in the country is near impossible," they said.
"How long are we hiring them for? We don't know how long this booster roll-out will take. No one will want a job for just three weeks.
"We could use a nursing agency, but the agency has a fee, and then there's travel fees. It's just not worth it."
The increase in demand for booster shots coincides with the busiest time for local pharmacies.
"It's happening during the worst time of the year," Ballards Pharmacy said. "We have double the script load on the south coast because of holiday makers."
"Doctors and surgeries can be shut over Christmas which just puts more strain on us. There aren't any more alternatives."
Ballards said holiday-makers filled a large majority of booster bookings over the Christmas period.
"There were lots of bookings from tourists wanting to get vaccinated while on holidays," they said.
"This week has been lots more locals. We want to be here for the locals.
"Some people find the online booking system difficult, and they prefer to walk in and ask for a vaccine."
These residents often have to wait because bookings are filled up by patients signing up online.
In an official statement by Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA) - the organisation representing employee pharmacists - PPA President Geoff March said they are concerned about the growing workload upon pharmacies.
"We are concerned about the dire shortage in the supply of RATs, the prohibitive cost and the intensifying pressure on working pharmacists dealing with this issue, as well as continuing the vaccination program which now includes boosters and children's vaccination," Mr March said.
In December, Scott Morrison announced GP's and pharmacists will receive an extra $10 for each booster they administer.
This has increased the amount pharmacists receive for delivering booster shots from $19 to $29 per jab.
Ballards Pharmacy say they aren't in it for the money.
They previously ran a flu clinic at the pharmacy which cost them hundreds of dollars.
However with this $10 bonus they'll be able to cover costs.
"It's a social motivation," they said. "We want to support the locals. It's not about money."
"As long as everyone can keep being patient we will keep doing the best we can to get everyone boosted."
NSW Health has been approached for comment.
James Tugwell
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
James Tugwell is a reporter for Australian Community Media in Batemans Bay. james.tugwell@austcommunitymedia.com.au 0447 189 738
