THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has applauded the Northern Territory Government for its decision to increase the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccination.
Effective immediately, pharmacists in the Territory can prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines, including private market vaccines such as shingles and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines when not covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
NT pharmacists can also administer the Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine (RSV) at no cost to patients through the NIP during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks' gestation (PD 20 Jan).
PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley commended the initiative, stating, "This development is a significant advancement in public health, enhancing access to essential vaccines for Territorians.
"The current measles alert in the NT is a timely reminder of the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccination and catching up on missed doses," she continued.
"By empowering pharmacists to authorise and administer an expanded range of vaccines, including NIP vaccines like RSV, the Northern Territory Government is leveraging the expertise of pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved communities", Dr Angley said.
The PSA has long championed the expansion of pharmacists' roles in immunisation, recognising the potential to increase vaccination rates and reduce the burden on other healthcare providers.
PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, encouraged other Australian states and territories to follow the Northern Territory's leadership in this area.
"Expanding pharmacists' vaccination authority nationwide will improve vaccination accessibility and immunisation coverage across the country.
"PSA urges all jurisdictions to consider similar measures, removing barriers such as limitations on vaccine, patient age, funding and location of vaccination," A/Prof Sim concluded.
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