For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Resumption of COVID-19 vaccination services in the metro Auckland region
Resumption of COVID-19 vaccination services in the metro Auckland region

“Almost all General Practices and all pharmacies that are providing COVID-19 vaccinations in the metro Auckland region are open today.
“Eight out of our thirteen community vaccination centres are operating today. The centres that are open include Manurewa, Ōtara, Henderson, Westgate, Mount Wellington, Auckland CBD, Albany and Tāmaki (Glen Innes).
“The centres that remain closed include Birkenhead, Epsom, Highbrook, Pukekohe and Takanini. These centres remain closed as we have urgently diverted staff to support the surge in testing today following the announcement of further cases and related locations of interest.
“We are working to re-open the remaining centres as quickly as possible and will have more reopening from tomorrow. Most centres will be operating at reduced capacity due to the need for social distancing measures.
“We are issuing text and email advice to people to let them know whether they should attend their appointment or whether they will need to reschedule, so please keep an eye out for these.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and we will be rescheduling people in as quickly as possible. We also want to thank people for their patience in this challenging time, and their willingness to come forward to be vaccinated and help to protect themselves, their whānau and their community.”