Pharmacy Daily | Vic interns to immunise with new approval

INTERN pharmacists from Monash University are set to join Victoria's immunisation workforce under a new Secretary Approval by the Victorian Health Department.

With the first cohort already trained, they can now support the community pharmacy workforce.

The approval has allowed pharmacy graduates completing their internship to administer vaccines across the state, under the guidance of an experienced pharmacist immuniser.

Intern pharmacists who hold provisional registration and have completed an 'immuniser program of study' are eligible to administer approved vaccines.

Monash University, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria branch have worked closely with the Department of Health's Immunisation Program to secure the authorisation.

Also supporting the initiative is the Monash University Vaccination Training Program, developed by A/Prof Steven Walker, in partnership with the university's nurse and pharmacist immunisers.

Accredited by Health Education Services Australia and recognised by the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the program was offered to intern pharmacists enrolled in the Intern Foundation Program at Monash's Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS).

"Our Monash pharmacy interns will be among the first in Victoria to administer vaccines under the new Secretary Approval," said Walker.

"This is a statewide opportunity for all emerging pharmacists to join the immunisation workforce and contribute to public health."

FPPS Dean, Prof Arthur Christopoulos, noted that this change is crucial for strengthening Victoria's healthcare workforce.

"The scale of vaccine doses has increased in recent years with the availability of COVID vaccines alongside annual flu shots," he said.

"It's important that Victoria is prepared to protect our communities, and community pharmacies are well-positioned to provide this vital service."

Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas added that the program will improve vaccine accessibility as flu season nears.

"We're ensuring more Victorians can access these life-saving vaccinations while supporting our graduate pharmacists," she said.

"Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu helps reduce pressure on hospitals and protects our loved ones," added Thomas. JG