WA pharmacists immunisation role expands
Pharmacists will be able to provide a greater range of vaccination services to West Australians aged 16 and older, following an announcement by the State’s Health Minister, Roger Cook.
The decision revealed at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy WA Forum has expanded the scope of pharmacists to include the provision of the dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and meningococcal vaccines.
Guild WA President, Andrew Ngeow, said the move demonstrated the Minister’s understanding and support for the role of pharmacists in the community.
“We acknowledge the Government for acting to protect our community by providing access to these life-saving vaccines for all West Australians no matter where they live,” he said.
“There are community pharmacies in 40 towns with no GP service [in WA]. We look forward to a comprehensive vaccination program raising the level of protection and bringing immunisation within easier reach for all West Australians.”
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) WA Branch President, Dr Fei Sim, also welcomed the move saying it would “significantly increase the immunisation rates within the community”.
“While Australia has a strong childhood vaccination program, there are many areas in Australia with vaccination rates still below the level of coverage required for herd immunity, including for dTpa and MMR,” she said.
“Pharmacists can play a key role in addressing this issue.”
For more see tomorrow’s edition of Pharmacy Daily.
