PHARMACIST vaccinators in New Zealand have just been given the green light to provide funded flu vaccines to eligible pregnant women and to people aged over 65.
In a ground-breaking move, the patients can now choose whether they receive their funded flu jab from their pharmacy or GP.
The newly funded service will be available from 01 Apr this year.
Currently about a quarter of the NZ population receives influenza vaccine every year, most of them government funded.
"This step seeks to make better use of health professionals' skills, and improve health services for New Zealanders," according to PHARMAC deputy medical director Dr Bryan Betty.
The Pharmacy Guild of NZ and the Pharmaceutical Society of NZ both welcomed the move, with the PSNZ saying the new provision will help lift the overall uptake of vaccinations in the community.
"We welcome the opportunity to add to the excellent work done by GPs," said the Society's president Graeme Smith, adding "This is an example of pharmacists being able to contribute directly as part of the integrated health care team".
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Mar 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 17 Mar 17
