Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy in Wonthaggi, Victoria | Medical and health

Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy

Locality: Wonthaggi, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5672 1250

Address: 158 Graham St. 3995 Wonthaggi, VIC, Australia

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• Pharmacy/chemists
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25.01.2022 This is a great video to explain the usefulness of masks. Please watch and share. A great big thanks to the producers, as this has saved me a lot of time. If we continue our current rate of unknown COVID-19 community transmission, masks will become mandatory. Reduce this chance by adhering to social distancing and hand hygiene. Thanks Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

25.01.2022 COVID-19 Testing is available at; Wonthaggi Medical Group: COVID19 Respiratory Clinic, Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm, 42 Murray St, Wonthaggi. Contact Mobile No: 0492 036 568

24.01.2022 Even though you may not be in the mandatory mask wearing areas, we at Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy still recommend that you wear a mask of any description in public, especially where you cannot practice adequate social distancing. Stay safe. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

24.01.2022 COVID UPDATE: 64 new coronavirus cases overnight. Suburban lockdowns will now be imposed across 10 Melbourne postcodes from 11.59pm, tomorrow Wednesday 1 July ...until 29 July 2020. Residents in these postcodes must STAY HOME and the rest of us must not visit these postcodes except for 4 reasons: work and school care and care giving daily exercise shopping for essential items Victoria Police will be actively patrolling these areas. This year Victoria has conducted more than 800,000 tests. Yesterday 17,416 tests were conducted. This is one of the highest rates in the world. The suburban testing blitz has been further ramped up, including door to door testing. For the rest of us, not in these postcodes, if you feel sick please get tested. We must continue to test, identify and isolate cases. And we need to continue to do the right thing, together - maintain a safe distance, practice good hygiene, do not hold and do not attend large gatherings.

24.01.2022 From a News article today 30/07/20 "Coronavirus Victoria: New restrictions, 723 cases and 13 deaths in Victoria There are reportedly fears within the federal government that Victoria's COVID-19 outbreak is "too far gone" and can't be stopped. " This is simply incorrect. We can get this under control, but we need to act immediately. If you haven't already take the time to read the information, add your support, share the information and most importantly let our government know... that they have support from Victorians to do what must be done, please do. If we are to have any chance to spend Christmas with our loved ones, we must act immediately. Stay Safe, Everett O'Keeffe BPharm See more

23.01.2022 THIS IS DEEPLY DISTURBING.

23.01.2022 SUPPORTING Students This is certainly a year like no other. Few posts back I let you know that Mental Health practitioners are starting in Term 4 at both Pake...nham Secondary College and Kooweerup Secondary College. Many of you have heard me going on about the need to also have MH workers in our primary schools. We do now have a pilot program happening in Victoria. Yesterday, we announced $28.5 million to help students struggling with their mental health to get more support. More than 1,500 school staff will undergo additional mental health training in partnership with headspace, to help identify at-risk students as remote learning continues. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot* will continue + expand to include 15 new schools. Participating schools employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator with teaching quals, to build the capability of school staff to better identify and support students with mental health concerns. All specialist schools with secondary aged students will also receive funding to recruit a school-based mental health practitioner, who will build provide wrap-around support to students and families. Expanding the Navigator program, which supports young people to re-engage with school. Expanding the LOOKOUT program which supports students in out-of home care and other young Victorians who are at risk. This is in addition to our support for Orygen’s new digital mental health platform for young people MOST an online tool to access tailored online therapy and peer support, when and where they need it. Because our kids are worth it. Site to check out: Smiling Mind - they have a new digital care mental health packs for kids. Helps my kids heaps. www.smilingmind.com.au Orygen www.orygen.org.au Mental Health Toolkit - schools www.education.vic.gov.au///mentalhealth/Pages/default.aspx _______________________________ *As an FYI, this pilot program is happening in the Loddon - Campaspe and Eltham-Thomastown area, where we have partnered with Murdoch Children's Research Institute + The Ian Potter Foundation to work up the training, resources and referral pathways to support kids not travelling so well.

23.01.2022 URGENT HAND SANITISER UPDATE Bulk supply of hand sanitiser at cost to local business owners. Please share, please tag business owners, please make contact ASAP. All local businesses. W.H.O. Hand Sanitiser Formulation 1 or 2. 20L containers. These are very effective, low cost, low allergenic formulas, without perfumes or any unnecessary ingredients. With the latest increase in COVID-19 cases, we will all need to be vigilant and pro-active to reduce community transmission and... attempt to keep COVID-19 contained. At Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy we have implemented mandatory hand sanitation prior to shop entry via liquid hand sanitiser in a spray bottle, or supplying a fresh pair of gloves to a person, or serving a patient in a negative pressure isolation booth. I would encourage all businesses to follow similar protocols. I realise firsthand that this is a massive cost to businesses and Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy would like to do our part in helping our local businesses remain viable and safe. Only a few short months ago, prices of raw materials were astronomical. They have dropped considerably, but once demand exceeds supply it will rise sharply again. Whilst I can obtain the raw materials and provide this service I am asking all businesses that would like to purchase a 20L drum of W.H.O hand sanitiser to contact me (Everett O’Keeffe) at [email protected] with their name, business name and address, mobile number and quantity required. If we can get more than 20 orders, I believe we can get the price down to $12 per Litre and if we get 40 orders, it may drop to $10 per Litre. It will be on a first in best dressed if supply is constrained, and I will ask for payment upfront via credit card if we proceed. This will be organised in the next 2 to 3 days, so I urge anyone interested to make contact ASAP. I will be supplying this as a once off at cost to try and help everyone we can. I do not intend on ever doing 20 hour days again, making hand sanitiser, and bargaining with unreasonable and unscrupulous wholesalers. Please be organised for the second wave. I would especially encourage any businesses that will operate delivery services, or in the future rely on delivery services, to buy large quantities and store the hand sanitiser. For medical services, I can make a 70% isopropyl alcohol for sterilising equipment via a spray bottle. Again, for orders please contact me: at [email protected] with your name, business name and address, mobile number / business phone number and quantity required. Stay Safe, Everett O’Keeffe BPharm See more

22.01.2022 This is exceptional work; responding quickly with a measured and appropriate response. Please share this information so that more people will get tested and not suffer financial hardship for doing their part to help in the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share so that employers are able to get the information required for their staff in an expedited manner, to facilitate the support payment. Thanks Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

22.01.2022 If you don't want to spend your Christmas holidays in lockdown, without your family, I suggest you take a few minutes to listen to Michael's story. Read the petition on this page and get involved. Thank you Michael, for sharing such a tragic story and importantly putting a face to an invisible disease. Your message will save lives. Your courage to share your message and story during such hardship is commendable.

22.01.2022 VERY IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE RESTRICTIONS: from 11.59 pm Wednesday 8 July, Metro Melb + Mitchell Shire go back to Stage 3 restrictions for 6 wks. It's not t...he news we wanted to hear. It is intense, it is tough. We have done this before, we can do it again, we continue to look out for each other. Our community is resilient, kind and generous this is what will get us through. You MUST stay at home + WORK from home! There’s only 4 reasons not to be at home: Shopping for food & essential supplies Medical, care or compassionate needs Exercise and related activities Work and education (if you can’t work/learn remotely) EDUCATION: School holidays will be extended for another extra week for Prep to Yr 10. Years 11 & 12, yr 10 students doing VCE + Specialist Schools return start of term 3. Students will be temperature tested. RESTAURANTS & CAFES: will return to takeaway and delivery services only. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Community sport, beauty and personal services and entertainment and cultural activities will STOP. CASES: There are 191 new cases today, with 772 active cases at the moment. Around 979,000 tests have been processed to date. BORDERS: Vic border with NSW is closed tonight until further notice. SA continues to be closed. There will be more announcements to come regarding schools and local businesses so please stay tuned. THANK YOU! You have all done an awesome job lately with getting tested and doing the right thing. It’s not easy and we all want this to be over so we can get back to the things and people we love. Please keep listening to the advice and stay safe. Statement from our Premier in comments.

22.01.2022 We have begun production of cheap, hypoallergenic W.H.O. hand sanitiser in bulk for local businesses to help them stay open and safe. This will only be available for a short time. Please message or email ASAP, if you would like to order 20L containers. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

21.01.2022 Everyone is on edge, we all want this over. It is so not over. This virus is highly contagious and invisible.... No area is immune, no person is immune. People are testing positive with no symptoms at all. Doesn't matter your postcode, your age or where you are now. We all have a responsibiltiy to do the right thing. Follow the rules, physical distance, avoid crowds. Wash hands over and over. Get tested, stay at home. If you are unwell don't go to work. Live to the spirit of the rules as well. By keeping yourself safe - you keep us all safe. Check in with each other, get your daily exercise to keep your spirits up. Thank our essential workers - the ones looking after our kids, our elderly, our sick, feeding us, transporting us, responding to emergencies on the roads, in our homes. If you can stretch your finances - order a take away meal here and there, shop local - every little bit helps our local businesses. This is tough, this is intense. We have been through this before, we can do it again. We are a resilient, supportive, caring community. We will get through this with kindess and community at heart

20.01.2022 COVID-19 ERADICATION. PLEASE SHARE this by all forms of social media available to you. Let people read the information and decide for themselves as to the morally correct course of action. I am imploring all Victorians and Australians to take 5 minutes to read this petition to support the ERADICATION of COVID-19 from Victoria and Australia. We are at a crucial point in this fight against an invisible and insidious disease. There is still so much that we do not know about th...e long-term health outcomes if you survive COVID-19. I fear that if we act too late the consequences will impact many generations for decades with regards to their general and financial wellbeing. Please share, like, comment and generate a healthy discussion based on facts. We are fortunate to live in a country that has the opportunity of ERADICATION of COVID-19, and the freedom to express our views. Those that have the power to make a positive change, also have the moral responsibility. This is a responsibility for all Victorians and Australians. We cannot afford to remain silent and hope that the Government will fix this for us, as this is completely unprecedented, and no governing body around the entire world has come up with a perfect solution. This is up to every Australian to do their part. The information and data that is attached to this petition is from countries where many people have died, and many people will die. This is a tragedy that we can learn from and avoid it if we take definitive action now. Sincerely Everett O’Keeffe BPharm See more

19.01.2022 #Melbourne grass #pollen forecast for today (Saturday, Jan 2) is Moderate. Note: Other locations within Victoria have a High forecast today. Visit our website (https://MelbournePollen.com.au) or get the App for more pollen forecasts

19.01.2022 A great thanks to our local MP Miss Jordan CRUGNALE, working at all times during this pandemic and responding quickly. Please follow her page and publications for the latest news pertaining to our region. Stay safe. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

19.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/102704769887752/posts/1767596440065235/?substory_index=0

19.01.2022 Please be prepared now and avoid a chaotic rush. We currently have stock of masks, low allergenic W.H.O. hand sanitiser, and gloves. Plan ahead. Review your business continuance plans and be organised. We have not placed restrictions of quantities as long as they are reasonable and purposeful for yourself and/or business. We have not put any restrictions on to encourage people to be organised only have to visit the pharmacy a minimal amount of times. Stay safe. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

18.01.2022 3 Ply surgical mask

18.01.2022 Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy, 26/06/2020 COVID-19 Health Update #25: COVID-19 Consequences of Unnecessary Travel- Take 2 PLEASE share this information: Urgent action required: Share your opinion with your local MP. The data is from known cases from the Victorian Database from DHHS. I have published this data to show and hopefully educate people on the consequences of breaking social distancing rules and intentionally misinterpreting the rules that allowed people to travel to th...eir holiday homes. Due to the numbers of active COVID-19 cases increasing, we at Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy will continue to screen patients at the front entrance and then direct them as how best to receive treatment in a manner that is conducive to protecting our staff, their families, our community and ensuring the viability of the pharmacy so that we can continue to provide lifesaving medication and advice for all diseases. The side entrance to the pharmacy has been converted into 3 separate negative pressure service counters, where people will be directed towards if required. If you would prefer not to enter the pharmacy, please make use of these service counters by informing our staff member at the front entrance and we will gladly serve you from these new counters. As you enter a curtain of UV sterilised air is used to keep the service booths separate from the outside environment. A separate fan in each booth then draws the air from the booth into the roof cavity. I suggest you read COVID-19 Health Update #24: COVID-19 Consequences of Unnecessary Travel, and treat the school holidays, as you would have the long weekend. We have already seen a large surge in visitors. Statistically speaking it is likely we will have COVID-19 infectious patients walking amongst us already. Keep your hygiene at a very high level and maintain social distancing at all times. Stay safe, Everett O’Keeffe BPharm See more

17.01.2022 P2 or N95 are the same face mask and used interchangeably internationally.

17.01.2022 W.H.O Formula 1 Hand Sanitiser Due to popular demand we will have available the 200ml bottles for sale for the liquid hand sanitiser that we were producing during the chronic shortage of hand sanitiser , and is the same one that we use at the front door to sterilise your hands upon entry. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

16.01.2022 Aged Care Facilities Where there is an active outbreak, facilities MUST implement strategies as needed as the situation evolves to minimise risk to residents an...d staff. This includes support and contact with their residents' family and loved ones. If you are having difficulty getting through please contact: Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600. OPAN are also assisting Facilities with communications when an outbreak occurs. Visitation has been further restricted: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/visiting-care-facilities-covid- ____________________________________ While the Commonwealth is the primary regulator and funder of aged care in Australia, DHHS, the Commonwealth Dept of Health and the National Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission meet daily to coordinate outbreak management and provide support. The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre has now been established at the State Control Centre in Melbourne to co-ordinate and expand resources to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in age care services. Pakenham-Berwick Gazette

16.01.2022 #Melbourne grass #pollen forecast for today (Monday, Nov 9) is Extreme. Note: Other regions within Victoria have an Extreme forecast today. Visit our website (https://MelbournePollen.com.au) or get the App for more pollen forecasts

16.01.2022 HALF FACE RESPIRATORS:

15.01.2022 With our app, we're helping you stay on top of your health every single day. You’ll have a host of handy features at your fingertips, like: + Easily connect to ...your Amcal Pharmacy Team. + ‘Take-My-Meds’, reminding you when to take medications and at what dose. + Know when you’re about to run out of medication, or when medication is overdue. + *‘GP Link’, linking you directly to your GP for easy repeat requests. + Choose to ‘Order Now’ or ‘Snap-n-Send’ to order your medications rather than standing in a queue. + ‘Carer Mode’ to help those who care for others by allowing them to see multiple medication profiles from a single account. Download free today. *Your GP must be signed up to MedAdvisor’s GP Link service for this feature #amcalpharmacy #amcalapp #pharmacistalwaysavailable

14.01.2022 Congratulations to Everett O'Keeffe on his nomination for Bass Coast citizen of the year, 2020! Everett went above and beyond to help and educate our community and local businesses to be prepared and safe during the covid-19 pandemic, is also a lutenant at Wonthaggi CFA, is a life member of Wonthaggi Soccer Club, and does so much more behind the scenes for his local community, staff, family and friends. We are so proud of you Everett! Congratulations also to Mat Bowtell of Phillip Island, the very worthy winner of this award last night. Pictured: Mayor of Bass Coast, Brett Tessari, Everett O'Keeffe, and Therasita Plumb, who nominated Everett.

13.01.2022 Support for Workers To Get Tested And Stay Home "Too many Victorians are in insecure work, don't have sick leave entitlements and can't afford to miss a shift. ...Our current worker support payment recognises that the requirement to self-isolate or quarantine can leave workers and their families struggling to make ends meet, forgoing an income while they’re following health advice. Under the scheme, a one-off payment of $1,500 is available to workers who are unable to work during their isolation, have no income during this period, and are not entitled to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support. We will now extend the scheme to ensure that as soon as a person is tested, they will be eligible for a $300 support payment from the Victorian Government as long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme. This will ensure workers don’t have to pay the price for following health advice while they are waiting for their results meaning they can afford to isolate immediately and avoid spreading the virus further through workplaces."

09.01.2022 Please do keep asking questions. There are a lot of false reports, news and information. If you would like to remain anonymous please message us directly and we can post the question as anonymous and the answer. If you have a question, I guarantee that someone else has the same question. I hope that you can trust us as an impartial source of information. We are here to help our community as best we can. We are only interested in health outcomes. We have as of the Saturday 11th, limited access to the front shop at the detriment of selling gift-ware, perfumes and other impulse items so that we can ensure that the pharmacy will always be open to supply all life-saving medications. Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

07.01.2022 INFORMATION FROM THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT. Please share this information. Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Forecast HIGH Mallee, Northern Country, South West and Wimmera weather districts... Wednesday 11th November 2020 The Chief Health Officer has issued an epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast of HIGH Wednesday, 11th November 2020 for the Mallee, Northern Country, South West and Wimmera weather districts. This means there is an increased chance of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event occurring. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is where a large number of people suddenly develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time and is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm. The Bureau of Meteorology works closely with the department to forecast the risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event. Please use this forecast to inform actions relevant to your personal or organisational plans and requirements. For further information visit Vic Emergency Department of Health and Human Services Better Health Channel Asthma emergency first aid Health Protection Branch Regulation, Health Protection and Emergency Management Division Department of Health and Human Services

07.01.2022 STAGE 3 for Regional Vic includes Bass Coast + Sth Gippsland Shires From 11:59pm on Wednesday, Regional Vic will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home.... That means there’ll again only be four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study if you can’t do it from home. Otherwise, you need to stay home. Businesses in regional Victoria will also return to Stage 3 restrictions. That means restaurants and cafes can only offer delivery and takeaway. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop. This will be really tough for these businesses and their workers and we’ll have more to say very shortly about extra support to help get you through. Face coverings will continue to be compulsory ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible. Regional schools will return to remote and flexible learning across all year levels and across the state. The only exception will be for our specialist schools. Onsite supervision will again be made available for students who need it, including children whose parents are permitted workers and vulnerable kids who can’t learn from home. These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks. As always, we’ll keep reviewing and realigning the restrictions in line with the advice of our health experts and if we can change things earlier, we will. If you know anyone that needs a mask, support or even just a phone call - send me an email, message, or ring my office on 5672 4755 and I will reach out to them.

06.01.2022 This is a very early post that has become more relevant with mask use on the rise. Stay Safe, Everett O'Keeffe BPharm

06.01.2022 A local pharmacist has created an online petition calling for tougher Coronavirus restrictions to be introduced across the state in the hope that the virus is e...radicated and Victorians can enjoy a Summer break. Join us tonight at 6pm for the full details. Channel 8 & 80 (HD) | #WINNews6pm

05.01.2022 COVID-19 ERADICATION. PLEASE SHARE this by all forms of social media available to you. Let people read the information and decide for themselves as to the morally correct course of action. I am imploring all Victorians and Australians to take 5 minutes to read this petition to support the ERADICATION of COVID-19 from Victoria and Australia. We are at a crucial point in this fight against an invisible and insidious disease. There is still so much that we do not know about th...e long-term health outcomes if you survive COVID-19. I fear that if we act too late the consequences will impact many generations for decades with regards to their general and financial wellbeing. Please share, like, comment and generate a healthy discussion based on facts. We are fortunate to live in a country that has the opportunity of ERADICATION of COVID-19, and the freedom to express our views. Those that have the power to make a positive change, also have the moral responsibility. This is a responsibility for all Victorians and Australians. We cannot afford to remain silent and hope that the Government will fix this for us, as this is completely unprecedented, and no governing body around the entire world has come up with a perfect solution. This is up to every Australian to do their part. The information and data that is attached to this petition is from countries where many people have died, and many people will die. This is a tragedy that we can learn from and avoid it if we take definitive action now. Sincerely Everett O’Keeffe BPharm See more

05.01.2022 #Melbourne grass #pollen forecast for today (Wednesday, Dec 9) is High. Note: Other locations within Victoria have an Extreme forecast today. Visit our website (https://MelbournePollen.com.au) or get the App for more pollen forecasts

05.01.2022 Well done Mayor Brett Tessari.

04.01.2022 Thought I would repost this near the top again. Please know the appropriate mask for you or ask your local pharmacist for advice, as they should have a list of your medications and conditions.

04.01.2022 We want to help you be prepared this Christmas Kris Kringle gifts required? A thoughtful gift for our amazing school teachers in 2020? Lots of gift ideas of various sizes ready to go in-store today. Gift wrapping service available

04.01.2022 STAGE 3 for Regional Vic includes Bass Coast + Sth Gippsland Shires From 11:59pm on Wednesday, Regional Vic will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home.... That means there’ll again only be four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study if you can’t do it from home. Otherwise, you need to stay home. Businesses in regional Victoria will also return to Stage 3 restrictions. That means restaurants and cafes can only offer delivery and takeaway. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop. This will be really tough for these businesses and their workers and we’ll have more to say very shortly about extra support to help get you through. Face coverings will continue to be compulsory ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible. Regional schools will return to remote and flexible learning across all year levels and across the state. The only exception will be for our specialist schools. Onsite supervision will again be made available for students who need it, including children whose parents are permitted workers and vulnerable kids who can’t learn from home. These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks. As always, we’ll keep reviewing and realigning the restrictions in line with the advice of our health experts and if we can change things earlier, we will. If you know anyone that needs a mask, support or even just a phone call - send me an email, message, or ring my office on 5672 4755 and I will reach out to them.

04.01.2022 Less than a minute to watch. Perfect instructions. Thanks Dr Katie Allen.

04.01.2022 Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy, 28/06/20 Immunisation Update It is with great pride that I relay the first stories from the first week of vaccinating in Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy. From the start we always wanted to provide the best service possible. With Covid-19 in the forefront of everyone’s mind, we were made aware that there were a percentage of people who were reluctant to receive the influenza vaccine, fearing that they could acquire a COVID-19 infection at a vaccination cl...inic. Although the risk was minimal and all vaccination clinics follow strict protocols for hygiene and infection control, we tried to make an environment in which people would be comfortable to be vaccinated despite their justifiable fear. 1. An elderly lady who felt that despite receiving the influenza vaccination each year, who had decided to not receive it due to Covid-19, was happy to have the influenza vaccine within the pharmacy due to the protocols we have in place. 2. Two, soon to be grandparents whose, grandchildren demanded that they receive a vaccine certificate for Boostrix, before they were allowed to visit their grandchild. This represents a great deal of understanding by the parents to be and a recognition of the benefits of vaccination in the safety of their child. I applaud their stance and determination to protect their child. The attached pictures show the protocols that are followed within the pharmacy. There is a thorough prescreening before the vaccination can proceed. Within the curtained vaccination room, is an air curtain that deflects sterilised air via ultraviolet sterilisation across the room. Within the pharmacy is a medical grade HEPA filter and VOC filter. Within the vaccine room is a secondary HEPA and VOC filter. After each patient, the room is sprayed in a non-residual sterilising surface disinfectant, and VOC filter removes any aerosolised volatile organic compounds. Additionally, throughout the entire time that you are within the vaccine room in the pharmacy you will be required to wear a 3ply surgical mask as will the administering pharmacist. We have very limited stock of FLUAD QUAD, the preferred vaccination for over 65+years. We also have National Immunisation Stock available as well as Private stock available for the influenza vaccine. Bookings are required. Please see earlier vaccine posts for prescreening forms or email [email protected] There is an out of pocket expense associated with any of these vaccines dependent on whether you qualify for National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock. Although, Medicare renumeration for the cost of vaccine administration exists through your local Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, no such renumeration exists for any pharmacy. We would love to be able to administer NIP stock free to any patients that qualify. If you would like this to take place, please let your local member of parliament know. Sincerely Everett O’Keeffe BPharm

04.01.2022 Please note with all of the masks below: THEY DO NOT PROTECT YOUR EYES. The eyes are mucosal membranes and can transmit COVID19. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES.

03.01.2022 Today our Premier has had to make a hard but necessary call. His statement in the comments. STATE OF DISASTER from 6pm tonight. This means restrictions wil...l change. Metro Melbourne will be entering Stage 4 restrictions from 6pm tonight. Regional Victoria will be entering Stage 3 restrictions from 11:59pm on Wednesday. Both will last 6 weeks till Sunday, 13 September. SCHOOLS ALL - From Wednesday ALL students will move to flexible and remote learning (except children of essential workers and vulnerable children). Tuesday is a pupil free day. METRO: Kinders/Childcare closed except for vulnerable and children of permitted workers. REGIONAL: Specialist Schools, Kinders/Childcare remain open for all students/children. STAGE 4: ( Cardinia and Casey Area) SHOPPING: one person per household per day - no further than 5km from home. EXERCISE: limited to one hour per day - no further than 5km from home and no more than two people (whether you live with them or not). There will be some exceptions. If your closest supermarket is further than 5kms, you can still shop there. If you’re a parent with little ones, you can still take them with you when you go for a walk. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY: not permitted. CURFEW: will apply each night from 8pm to 5am (only exceptions - work; care and care giving and common sense exceptions - intimate partners, custody arrangements), starting at 8pm tonight. WORK PLACES: announcements on work places, shops, restaurants, cafes will be made tomorrow. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: the Night network will be suspended and public transport services will be reduced during curfew hours. TAFE and UNIVERSITY: will all be done remotely. I am available to answer any and all questions - message, email, call my office on 5672 4755 We will get through this with kindness and community at heart. DHHS website will have further details regarding this announcement and supports available: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

03.01.2022 Be prepared and talk to your doctor about your asthma management plan.

02.01.2022 Wonthaggi Amcal Pharmacy COVID response level increase. 12/7/20 Due to the surge in COVID positive patients and the confirmation that Bass Coast has COVID positive patients, we at the pharmacy have taken the next step in our pandemic planning. This actually commenced this weekend, and has been finished tonight. Many of you would be familiar with the 3 negative pressure isolation booths at the side of the pharmacy by now. This has been implemented at the front of the pharmacy.... The picture is of an additional 5 service counters inside the pharmacy within a partially sealed negative pressure room. There will be signage out the front, with directions, as well as the drop box should you wish to use this service for the non-urgent prescriptions. We are encouraging people to keep their prescriptions on file, as well as entering the digital age and using the Amcal App to manage their prescriptions and over the counter items, (more info in store, or call us during business hours) Deliveries will continue as per government arrangements to protect the most vulnerable in the community and to provide medical support to COVID-19 patients. Once again, please try to organise yourself with the aim of visiting the pharmacy for chronic health conditions once a month. Ideally we would like you to spend the least amount of time within the pharmacy, to minimise your risk of exposure to any communicable diseases. Very importantly, if you are sick at all, stay home and use the teleconferencing medical services and follow directions of the medical staff and government advice. Stay Safe, Everett O'Keeffe BPharm See more

02.01.2022 Happy World Pharmacist Day, September 25, 2020! With this day coming around again it led me to dig out an old photo that began our journey... We feel genuinely blessed to have the opportunity to help members of our community improve their health and wellbeing every day through our job, and we are so glad that we made the decision to move to the Bass Coast not long after this photo was taken almost 20 years ago...... This beautiful part of the world has given us so much, it is a magnificent place to raise a family, and with the support, hard-work and care of our phenomenal staff, we are honoured to continue to help our community every day. Louise and Everett xx

01.01.2022 Today our Premier has had to make a hard but necessary call. His statement in the comments. STATE OF DISASTER from 6pm tonight. This means restrictions wil...l change. Metro Melbourne will be entering Stage 4 restrictions from 6pm tonight. Regional Victoria will be entering Stage 3 restrictions from 11:59pm on Wednesday. Both will last 6 weeks till Sunday, 13 September. SCHOOLS ALL - From Wednesday ALL students will move to flexible and remote learning (except children of essential workers and vulnerable children). Tuesday is a pupil free day. METRO: Kinders/Childcare closed except for vulnerable and children of permitted workers. REGIONAL: Specialist Schools, Kinders/Childcare remain open for all students/children. STAGE 4: ( Cardinia and Casey Area) SHOPPING: one person per household per day - no further than 5km from home. EXERCISE: limited to one hour per day - no further than 5km from home and no more than two people (whether you live with them or not). There will be some exceptions. If your closest supermarket is further than 5kms, you can still shop there. If you’re a parent with little ones, you can still take them with you when you go for a walk. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY: not permitted. CURFEW: will apply each night from 8pm to 5am (only exceptions - work; care and care giving and common sense exceptions - intimate partners, custody arrangements), starting at 8pm tonight. WORK PLACES: announcements on work places, shops, restaurants, cafes will be made tomorrow. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: the Night network will be suspended and public transport services will be reduced during curfew hours. TAFE and UNIVERSITY: will all be done remotely. I am available to answer any and all questions - message, email, call my office on 5672 4755 We will get through this with kindness and community at heart. DHHS website will have further details regarding this announcement and supports available: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

01.01.2022 I get why people think things are different in regional Victoria. Fewer cases. More spread out. Easier to distance. But the virus we're fighting and the dange...r of it taking hold is exactly the same. And while we're putting a lot of work into containing the spread in the city and protecting regional communities we can't let our guard drop in the country. Which is why we're stepping up our testing and response capacity right around the state. And we're making sure there aren't any barriers for regional Victorians to get tested if they have symptoms however mild. Coronavirus sites are being established or expanded across Wonthaggi, Echuca, Bendigo, Shepparton, Koo Wee Rup and Mildura. And there are more testing locations planned for Gippsland and Ballarat too. We’re also establishing local public health response teams so we have case management and contact tracing for regional communities whenever they’re needed. And we're encouraging all Victorians, including those living outside of Melbourne, to wear a mask when physical distancing isn't possible. Regional Victoria isn't immune to any of this - and regardless of where you live, we all have a role to play here. Because we're at a critical point in this fight, and what we do today will have a massive impact on tomorrow. So whether you're in East Gippsland or Swan Hill. Whether you're 26 or 62 the message could not be any simpler: Wash your hands, keep your distance, and if you have symptoms get tested.