Many people rely on needles, lancets or syringes to manage medical conditions and maintain their health. Your community pharmacy may be part of a needle and syringe program designed to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
By providing sterile syringes, which can be accessed easily and anonymously, community pharmacies involved in the needle and syringe harm reduction program aim to ensure that every person who injects drugs uses a sterile syringe every time. This reduces the risk of infection and promotes safer practices.
Pharmacies play an important role in the community by providing safe disposal methods and clean injecting equipment for customers who use sharps. Proper disposal of used needles and syringes is crucial to avoid accidental injuries and the spread of infections.
Needle and syringe programs are a vital public health measure. These programs have significantly reduced the sharing of injecting equipment, helping to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV among people who inject drugs.
In Australia, the rate of HIV infection among people who inject drugs has remained around 1%, compared to other countries with levels of more than 50%. This success is helped by the widespread availability and use of needle and syringe programs.
With HIV, for instance, the rate of infection is very rare among both injecting drug users and the wider community in Australia. In some countries, such as the United States and parts of Europe, where needle and syringe programs were not established in time, HIV spread rapidly among injecting drug users and to the wider community through sexual contact.
By supporting these programs, community pharmacies help protect public health and ensure safer practices for everyone.
Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.
Your community pharmacist can do more for you with a wide range of vaccines available, from flu and COVID-19 to essential travel immunizations. Visit your local pharmacy to stay healthy, protected, and up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Your community pharmacist is here to help you care for your skin, from managing common conditions like school sores, eczema, and acne to offering guidance on wound care, shingles, and sun protection. Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and effective solutions to keep your skin healthy every day.
Community pharmacists are enhancing women’s health by providing comprehensive support at every stage – from conception and contraception to bone health and beyond.
Your community pharmacist is here to help with harm reduction and dependency, offering support and resources including needle and syringe services, opioid dependency treatment, quit smoking services, and naloxone.
Get expert support with your medications through comprehensive reviews and management services provided by your community pharmacist. From home medicine reviews and MedsCheck consultations to dose administration aids and staged supply, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get the support you need from your community pharmacist to manage chronic conditions. With expert advice, personalised medication management and tailored health services, community pharmacies empower you to take control of ongoing health challenges and improve your quality of life.
Take control of your health with convenient testing and screening services at your community pharmacy. From regular monitoring to early detection, these essential services help identify potential health risks and support proactive care. Your pharmacist is here to guide you in staying informed and making health-conscious decisions for a healthier future.
Stay informed with the latest news, health tips, and updates from community pharmacies.
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