All PBS registered pharmacies must either stock or be prepared to order the COVID antivirals. If the pharmacy does not have stock on hand and a patient presents with a prescription the pharmacy may either:
- Phone other pharmacies in the area to ascertain whether they have stock. If stock was found at an alternative pharmacy, they may send the patient to the alternative store or the stock can be transferred between the stores.
- Order in stock from a wholesaler. Under the Community Services Obligation wholesalers must provide the stock within 24 hours of the regular order cut-off time. Some very remote postcodes may not receive supply within 24 hours of the order cut-off time.
- Pharmacists may also wish to confirm ‘sale or return guarantee’ arrangements with their wholesaler.
