The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) South Australian Branch welcomes the announcement that pharmacist immunisers in SA can now administer influenza vaccines to children from five years of age.
The announcement came on Friday 13 May with the SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton confirming the changes, which allow trained pharmacist immunisers to supply and administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccines to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people from five years, and private market influenza vaccines from five years of age.
PSA SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, welcomes the announcement, which will significantly improve vaccine access for young people across SA.
“This is great news for both South Australians and our pharmacist immunisers. Influenza vaccinations are as important as ever this year, and we are pleased that SA’s pharmacists can help increase vaccine accessibility and protect our vulnerable populations.
“Our pharmacists continue to go over and above for their communities. They are one of our most accessible healthcare workforces and are trained and experienced in vaccinating younger age groups.
“This announcement partially delivers on one of PSA’s SA election recommendations – that pharmacists be enabled to administer medicines by injection, with an expanded range of vaccines,” Ms Johns said.
