Tamworth's forgotten frontline workers celebrate world's pharmacists day

Pharmacists are the first health workers many sick people see, and are often forgotten in the battle against COVID.

"We are the first one available for the customers - without an appointment," Tamworth pharmacist Ranjan Goli said.

"The doctor, you have to make an appointment to see them, actually.

"There is no time limit for us."

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A COVID-positive case might walk in off the street into the Cahills Soul Pattinson Chemist at any time, looking for treatment for their flu-like symptoms.

It's a heavy responsibility, but Mr Goli said he feels a strong responsibility to protect the community.

"Sometimes you feel scared, but ... you have to work. we take all the protective precautions to protect myself and all my staff," he said.

Today is World Pharmacists Day, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has spent the week shining a light on the many roles that pharmacists play in both pandemic response and ordinary healthcare.

Association national vice president Renae Beardmore said pharmacists are Australia's "most accessible frontline health workers".

"They have all stepped up when their patients and communities needed them the most - and are some of Australia's unsung heroes," she said.

"They have had to contend with public panic, anxiety, constantly changing regulations, medicine shortages, and unfortunately in some cases, abusive behaviour. They have also had to contend with the fear of becoming sick, and the fear of taking it home to their own families."

Blooms the Chemist pharmacist Alyce Northey said they absolutely feel like frontline staff.

"The initial symptoms of severe illness can be quite mild," she said.

"Your basic cold and flu symptoms, sore throat and fever, people will come to their pharmacy more often than they will go to their GP or up to the ER for symptoms like that.

"If we have active cases in the area, it is a bit more stressful, because you know no matter what, regardless of the risk to you personally, you go to work and you're face to face with people that could make you sick."

Blooms received their first Moderna vaccinations on Wednesday, and have already immunised 35 people.

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