NEW regulatory reforms introduced by the South Australian Government for pharmacist-delivered vaccinations have been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Under the changes, vaccination-trained pharmacists in SA will no longer have to renew their vaccination credentials every three years as of 05 Dec 2017.
PSA SA/NT president Robyn Johns said the reform will remove red tape burdens on pharmacists who have proven to be "highly effective and accessible immunisers in the community.
"Pharmacists welcome SA Health Minister Peter Malinauskas' vision and ongoing commitment to enable trained pharmacists to provide high quality and accessible vaccinations in community pharmacies -- this new reform is a positive step forward for improving healthcare.
"We also sincerely thank SA Health for being supportive of these reforms," she said.
Johns added that while there will be no formal requirements for ongoing training, pharmacists need to remember that immunisers must have up-to-date First Aid, CPR and anaphylaxis training.
"Under the Pharmacy Board of Australia's CPD Guidelines, all pharmacist immunisers are also expected by undertake CPD relevant to their scope of practice," she explained.
Across Australia, all pharmacists can now vaccinate for influenza.
In SA, pharmacists can also vaccinate for whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
In Victoria pharmacists can immunise for whooping cough, while pharmacists can vaccinate for whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
PSA national president Dr Shane Jackson said, "On a national level, PSA is working closely with all State and Territory Governments and key health stakeholders to expand immunisation services beyond influenza.
"PSA's Immunisation Training Programs are tailored for State and Territory requirements," he said.
"They are nationally accredited and approved by State and Territory Health Departments."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Dec 17
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