PHARMACISTS across the ACT can improve access to healthcare with an initiative announced today by the ACT Government to allow community pharmacists to provide more vaccinations and treat more everyday ailments.
ACT Pharmacist Vaccination Standards were amended this week to allow Canberrans to receive vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid, and herpes zoster at local pharmacies without a prescription.
Pharmacists in the ACT can already administer the seasonal flu, diphtheria, tetanus, cellular pertussis (dTpa), Measles, Mumps and Rubella and COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition, the ACT Government has secured an 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 in women.
ACT Minister of Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the expansion of the vaccine program is part of the ACT Government's commitment to improving access to healthcare in the community.
"Pharmacists have been providing vaccination services in the ACT since 2016 and are a safe and valued immunisation service.
"They contribute greatly to our healthcare system by improving access to services and relieving cost and time pressures on primary healthcare providers and emergency departments," said Stephen-Smith.
The ACT Guild Branch President Simon Blacker (pictured) has welcomed the Minister's announcement.
"Pharmacists played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, being available to help patients at all times, and administering well over 200k COVID-19 vaccines to the community," Blacker said.
"The Pharmacy Guild welcomes the Minister's decision to allow pharmacists to have a broader role in assisting the community with their health needs.
"We believe this will ease some pressure on the healthcare system," said Blacker.
PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette agreed that "there should be no wrong door when patients are seeking a vaccine.
"Pharmacists are skilled and experienced immunisers who have delivered more than 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations nationally."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Mar 23
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