The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to welcome the ACT Government’s move to expand the vaccines and medicines that Canberrans can access from their local pharmacist.
From mid-March 2023, patients will be able to receive the hepatitis A and hepatitis B, HPV, meningococcal, poliomyelitis, typhoid and herpes zoster vaccines from their local pharmacist.
Canberrans will also be able to access pharmacist-prescribed antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) under the New South Wales trial program.
PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette will join ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA to make the announcement on Friday.
“There should be no wrong door when patients are seeking a vaccine,” Ms Collenette said.
“Pharmacists are skilled and experienced immunisers who have delivered more than 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations nationally.
“The average Australian visits a pharmacy 18 times each year. That’s 18 opportunities to impart a health message and encourage them to get up to date with their vaccinations. When we are able to deliver those vaccines right from the pharmacy, we are taking down a barrier to care.
“Pharmacists are well positioned to play a greater role in primary health care too, and with appropriate further training, can make oral contraception and UTI treatments more accessible for all Canberrans.
“It’s important that a patient in Queanbeyan does not have lesser or greater access to healthcare than a patient in the ACT.
“We welcome the ACT Government’s announcement and their commitment to equitable healthcare, and look forward to working with them closely to progress the role of pharmacists in the ACT.”
