STATE and Territory Health Ministers from across the country have taken a key step towards the establishment of a nationally consistent approach to pharmacist administered vaccination.
At the COAG Health Council meeting in Adelaide last week, pharmacist vaccination was one of the top agenda items, with attendees agreeing to harmonise current arrangements.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has been formally tasked with "establishing a working group to consider and recommend options to COAG Health Council," according to a communiqu released after Fri's meeting.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the move, with National President George Tambassis saying "it makes great sense for Australians, regardless of where they live, to have the same option of accessing vaccinations conveniently and safely from their local pharmacist.
"We welcome the Ministers' support for the common sense position that there should be a uniform availability of such vaccination services across Australia," Tambassis said.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) also applauded the Health Council's initiative "to build on the success of pharmacist vaccinations.
"Research has shown internationally and locally that pharmacists are considered highly accessible and they can boost vaccination rates, contributing to a reduced burden on our already over-burdened healthcare system," said PSA President Shane Jackson.
Jackson said it clearly didn't make sense that pharmacists can only vaccinate for meningococcal disease in Tasmania, and pertussis in some states such as South Australia, Victoria & Queensland.
He cited independent research commissioned by the Society which revealed that almost two thirds of Australians believed pharmacists should be able to administer a broader range of vaccinations.
The COAG initiative comes in the lead-up to an expansion of the vaccination scope of pharmacists in Vic, who from later this month will be able to administer the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine - more details on page two.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 Oct 18
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 Oct 18
