PHARMACISTS can now administer influenza vaccines to all Tasmanians aged five and older.
The move brings regulations on pharmacist-administered influenza vaccines in line with pharmacist-administered vaccines for COVID-19.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Tasmania Branch President David Peachey applauded the Tasmanian Government for the common sense change.
"Pharmacists are well placed to support the uptake of influenza vaccines in young Tasmanians.
"Pharmacists that are specifically trained to vaccinate children were able to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to patients aged five years and older, it only makes sense that we are also able to deliver influenza vaccines too," Peachey said.
"Almost all Tasmanians can now go into their local pharmacy and receive their influenza vaccine, making it easier for families to protect their health this winter."
"PSA has strongly advocated for pharmacist-immunisers to be able to deliver more vaccines to patients of all ages. This is a great first step for pharmacists to be able to do more to support the health of our communities, but there is more work to be done.
"In our submission to the 2023-24 Budget Consultation, PSA called for all National Immunisation Program vaccines to be accessible via pharmacists.
"Not only would this boost vaccination rates and reduce the incidence of vaccine preventable disease, but it would also increase vaccine access and uptake, reducing vaccine-preventable disease burden.
"We look forward to working with Premier Rockliff and his Government to ensure that all Tasmanians have equitable access to vaccines," Mr Peachey concluded.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Mar 23
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