Canberrans are to be able to access a selection of vaccines from their local pharmacists without a doctor’s prescription following changes to the laws.
Announced by the Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith, amendments to the ACT Pharmacist Vaccination Standards are to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid and herpes zoster without a prescription.
“Pharmacists play a key role in our health system, providing access to healthcare support and advice for many members of our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Pharmacists have been providing vaccination services in the ACT since 2016 and provide a safe, accessible and valued option for Canberrans,” she said.
“By enabling pharmacists to administer a greater range of vaccines without prescription, we are improving access to immunisation services and helping to protect the community from preventable diseases.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said pharmacists in the ACT could also administer the seasonal influenza vaccine; the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine; the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; and COVID‑19 vaccines.
She said the expanded vaccine program would come into effect in mid-March.
“The ACT Government has also secured agreement with the NSW Government for ACT Pharmacies to participate in the NSW-led trial to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacists prescribing antibiotics to treat uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in women,” the Minister said.
“UTIs are a common condition in women and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics,” she said.
“Enabling pharmacists to assess and initiate treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections is expected to help patients access treatment more quickly and reduce pressure on other primary healthcare providers.
“Participation in this trial will help understand the role of pharmacist prescribing in the context of our health system and ensure alignment across ACT and NSW,” she said.
