A pharmacists' organisation wants members of the profession included in regional health planning to combat swine flu, alongside front line medical staff.
The Community Pharmacy Leaders' Forum was concerned the role of pharmacists was not sufficiently recognised in public health strategies, and wanted to be included in planning for the medical response to swine flu.
"Community pharmacies are the first place people go for health advice," spokesman Alan Wham said.
"Pharmacists need more support and need to be better integrated into decisions and actions being taken by public health officials."
Meanwhile, Wellington ambulance paramedics will be donning facemasks as a precaution to protect themselves against swine flu.
From tomorrow, ambulance staff will wear masks on callouts, and in some situations, require their patients to wear them as well.
"Crews attending 111 calls may also have one paramedic assess the patient before the second crew member enters the house," a spokeswoman said.
