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Pharmacists at breaking point with RAT shorta ges

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for patience and understanding from the general public amidst ongoing rapid antigen test (RAT) shortages. Extreme stock shortages and unprecedented demand continues to place significant strain on pharmacists and pharmacy staff. PSA national president Associate Professor Chris Freeman stressed how challenging these past few weeks have been for the pharmacy workforce as a result of RAT shortages, combined with the commencement of childhood vaccinations and the booster rollout. “The holiday period is already a busy time for Australian pharmacists, and the current situation with accessibility to antigen testing is only making conditions worse," A/Prof Freeman said. “With the National Booster Program in full swing and the commencement of paediatric vaccinations last week, pharmacists have now administered over four million COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians – an amazing accomplishment! “However, this ongoing predicament with RAT continues to place huge pressure on the profession. “Even though the federal government has secured additional RAT stock, supply is still expected to be sparse until mid-February. “In the meantime, our pharmacists are working around the clock to source their own supply of these tests, whilst juggling a huge number inquiries from patients about stock availability. “Pharmacists are being inundated with phone calls and inquiries, which is ultimately consuming a large proportion of their time – time which would be better spent vaccinating people against the virus, and even more importantly, allowing them to focus on their core function, medicine safety. “Members have reported receiving on average, four calls a minute in relation to RATs. This is simply not sustainable. “Governments keep telling people to get tested

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for patience and understanding from the general public amidst ongoing rapid antigen test (RAT) shortages. Photo: File

– and people are trying to do the right thing – but there is still a lot of confusion in the community. “PSA and other health bodies were stressing the importance of securing RAT supply and establishing effective distribution networks with government over six months ago. “Antigen tests are also available and being distributed through government testing clinics, free of charge – and I implore Australians to consider these services in order to alleviate pressure on our already-stretched pharmacist workforce, until stock shortages are solved."

Until rapid antigen tests (RATs) are in increased supply, PCR tests are still available for people who have symptoms, or for household contacts without symptoms. A PCR test continues to be recommended for people who test positive on a RAT but don’t have symptoms and who aren’t close household contacts. The Sion College testing site is open 9 - 11am weekdays. It will be closed on Australia Day. COVID vaccinations are also available on Wednesdays, noon - 7pm and other days depending on demand.

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Victoria’s most popular baby names of 2021 are revealed

THE most popular baby names in Victoria for 2021 have been announced. Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes revealed the Registry of Births, Death and Marriages top 100 baby names earlier this month. Charlotte proved the most popular for baby girls, while Oliver maintained its position on the top of the boys list. This is the eighth year Oliver has come out on top, with a whopping 4197 babies given the name during during its reign. Under Oliver came Noah, Jack and Charlie. While Olivia, Isla, Amelia and Mia ranked just below Charlotte. Although Oliver's eight year streak has proven impressive, it has not reached the popularity that John maintained for a total of 23 years in the 1900s. Margaret was once an even more popular name than John - it sat atop the girls list for 24 years. New additions to the top 100 are girl names Zoe and Willow, while the boys list saw no newcomers. In 2021, 76,410 births were registered in Victoria, up from 74,620 in 2020. “Picking a baby name can be an overwhelming time – hopefully these top 100 name lists provide some inspiration," AttorneyGeneral Symes said. “We’ve seen another challenging year to be a parent – especially of a newborn. I wish all parents the very best as they welcome a happy new addition to their families.” To see the top 100 most popular baby names visit: https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/names

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