The WA Government has expanded pharmacist vaccination, allowing patients to access more National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines from their community pharmacist.
“Allowing more patients to be vaccinated by their local pharmacist is a vital step in ensuring accessible healthcare for all,” says WA State President of the Pharmaceutical Society (PSA) Lusi Sheehan.
“It’s fantastic to see that WA remains the home of one of the most progressive pharmacist-administered vaccination programs in Australia, an important vote of confidence in our pharmacist workforce,” she says.
From 22 November:
- Patients aged 11-plus will be able to receive dTpa and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations;
- Patients aged 15-plus will be able to receive Meningococcal ACWY vaccinations;
- Patients aged 16-plus will be able to receive Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, all from their local pharmacists.
PSA National President Dr Fei Sim says it is vital for regulations around vaccination to be consistent across all states and territories.
“At the moment, every jurisdiction in Australia has different regulations around which vaccinations can be administered by pharmacists,” says Dr Sim.
“COVID-19-related school closures, absenteeism and work-from-home orders have all impacted community vaccination rates as scheduled vaccination outreach in schools and workplaces have been disrupted.
“On top of this, GP shortages have also impacted the accessibility of vital vaccinations. The result is patients falling through the cracks, putting our communities at risk from preventable infectious diseases.
“Australians should be able to access the same level of health care regardless of where they live. A nationally consistent schedule of pharmacist-administered vaccinations is key to achieving equitable access to government-funded vaccines by all Australians.
“Allowing pharmacists around Australia to deliver all vaccinations to all ages, they’re sending an important message to the public about the importance of vaccination.
“This is an opportunity for governments around Australia to show significant leadership and to encourage vaccination uptake, particularly in young people.”
