THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the South Australian Government's decision to expand the scope of pharmacist immunisers.
Announced today, the move will allow the administration of vaccines from five years of age as per both the South Australian and National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedules.
This means that, from 01 Jan 2024, eligible patients can receive all vaccines on the NIP schedule in pharmacies free of charge.
"Improving access to and removing cost barriers to receiving NIP vaccines in community pharmacies is a big win for South Australians," PSA South Australia/Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley said.
"As a state our focus should be on removing barriers to vaccination, cutting the red tape that prevents qualified pharmacist immunisers from delivering more vaccines to more people while easing pressure on general practitioners.
"For pharmacists this is not only an opportunity to provide more vaccination services but also to drive public health messaging, encouraging vaccine uptake particularly in vulnerable cohorts," she added.
"Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need.
"I am proud to see years of PSA's advocacy has led to real outcomes not only for the pharmacists who will be able to play a greater role in delivering vaccines, but for our communities who will be able to access eligible vaccines closer to home, at their convenience.
"We look forward to continuing to work with South Australia Health and the South Australian Government to ensure that all South Australians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live," Angley concluded. JM
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