Victoria has become the final state in Australia to introduce vaccinations in pharmacies this week
Pharmacists across Australia can now administer vaccinations, with Victoria becoming the final state to introduce the policy this week
Approved pharmacists across Victoria will now be able to administer influenza and pertussis vaccines to adults.
Victoria is only the second state after Queensland to introduce pertussis vaccines in pharmacies, but other states are looking to expand soon, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
The regulations, outlined in the Victoria Government Gazette on Tuesday, require pharmacists to satisfactorily completed the assessment of an “Immuniser program of study” and continuing professional development in immunisation.
The ratification of pharmacy immunisations was welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and PSA.
Ben Marchant, PSA branch president, said the expansion of services would help vaccinate people who had not previously been vaccinated.
In a joint statement, the two pharmacy organisations said they were working with the Victorian Government on training programs to have a workforce ready by halfway through this year.
Guild branch president Anthony Tassone said it made sense to better utilise pharmacies.
“Community pharmacies are one of the most visited and accessible primary healthcare destinations in Australia,” he said.
”The PSA and the Guild look forward to working closely with the government to implement this and other vital health initiatives through community pharmacy in the future.”
