THE 2024-2025 Queensland Budget has allocated $6 million to complete additional training to support the rollout of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice pilot.
This includes completion of prescribing and clinical practice training, allowing participating pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for common health conditions and wellbeing services.
The government is also investing $72.9 million in free vaccinations for Queenslanders, including $40 million to fund influenza vaccines for people aged over six months, $26 million to fund meningococcal B vaccines for eligible infants, children, and adolescents, and $6.9 million to fund RSV vaccines.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland President Shane MacDonald said this year's budget gives community pharmacists the support they need to prepare for Australia's "most progressive" scope of practice pilot.
"Investment in pharmacists ensures that our workforce is ready to offer expanded health services to Queenslanders," commented MacDonald.
"PSA is pleased to again welcome the continuation of free influenza vaccines for Queenslanders in 2025, easing the cost burden of essential vaccines on Queensland families.
"This will also help community pharmacists to proactively plan now for the 2025 flu season."
The state's Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Chris Owen remarked, "97% of people who live in metropolitan areas live within 2.5km of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians live within 5km of their nearest pharmacy".
"This funding will mean that more of these community pharmacies will be able to offer greater healthcare services to patients and take pressure off emergency departments," Owen concluded. JG
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