Vaccinations from pharmacists to be available under new rules

State regulations have been changed so trained pharmacists can now give diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella and flu shots to people aged over 16 years.

Priceline Pharmacy Tamworth pharmacist Urooj Zubair said the extra jabs would be on offer there probably within the next month.

“It’s great for the convenience of the patients, and why not if we’ve got all the training and skills?” Mrs Zubair said.

“We are still doing the flu vaccinations, so that will allow us to give an extra bit of a hand with the doctors, if people can’t go see them.”

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Pharmacists have previously been able to administer influenza vaccines to healthy people aged 18-plus years.

The changes aim to make vaccines more readily available, particularly in areas where access to GPs is more limited, but there are some exceptions.

Aboriginal people, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people over 65 will still need to visit a general practice or community health clinic, as this allows their health to be assessed at the same time.

The same goes for children.

“The pharmacy will cover people over 16, but for the younger ones it’s still a bit conservative and they will need to see a doctor,” Mrs Zubair said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said it was “a great thing” for the people of the region to have more choice.

“We know all too well that at times it can be difficult to access a local GP, and those who can often have to wait,” he said.

“It is also a public recognition of the professionalism, training and experience of our local pharmacists.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said he particularly encouraged new grandparents, carers of infants, and partners of pregnant women “to get vaccinated to ensure they don’t catch whooping cough and pass it on to their babies”.