Queensland Pharmacy vaccinations now available permanently
14 April 2016
Read the Frequently Asked Questions document on vaccination
The Queensland Branches of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are delighted to announce that the Queensland Government has approved legislation to enable pharmacists to administer vaccinations to the public in a community pharmacy setting.
PSA Queensland Branch President Mr Bruce Elliot welcomed the Government’s decision, saying the amended legislation will enable pharmacist-delivered vaccinations to provide healthcare benefits to local communities.
“This legislation will allow trained pharmacists to vaccinate for influenza, measles and pertussis, providing positive health outcomes for the community,” Mr Elliot said.
“Community pharmacy provides a convenient and easily-accessible location for consumers to access vital health care services, such as immunisations. Additionally, this legislation will ensure there is a trained cohort of pharmacists who could also be authorised to quickly deliver vaccinations to the community during times of emergency or pandemics.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch President Mr Tim Logan said that the change in legislation is a fantastic example of the Guild and the PSA working together to advocate for their members.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge both the former Queensland Minister for Health, The Hon. Lawrence Springborg, MP and the current Minister for Health The Hon. Cameron Dick MP for their interest and eventual action for regulation. We also acknowledge the interest in, and guidance to the pharmacist vaccination trial from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young.”
“Through the joint efforts of the Queensland Branches of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and PSA as well as Queensland Health we have pioneered the regulation of pharmacist’s delivering immunisations in pharmacies which is now seen in every State and Territory in Australia, apart from Victoria,” Mr Logan said. He paid tribute to the pharmacists who had invested their time and money in qualifying for participation in the trial, and for achieving such notably positive results in their delivery of the program.
Queensland has been a national leader in pharmacist immunisations following the success of the high-profile Queensland Pharmacy Immunisation Pilot (QPIP) which has been strongly supported by James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, PSA and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
QPIP Pilot research lead and Professor (Head), School of Clinical Sciences QUT, Dr Lisa Nissen, said that the new legislation follows the successful Queensland Pharmacist Immunisation Pilot (QPIP); which investigated the benefits of registered pharmacists providing influenza vaccines to members of the public in the setting of a community pharmacy.
“QPIP was vital in proving community pharmacy as a convenient and easily accessible location for consumers to access vaccination services. Over 35,000 adults were immunised by a pharmacist, as a part of the two year trial,” Dr Nissen said.
“QPIP highlighted the long-term viability of in-pharmacy vaccinations services, with 99.4% of patients surveyed saying they would be happy to return to a community pharmacy to receive a vaccination in the future, and 99.5% of patients surveyed would recommend the service to others.”
In order to administer vaccinations in Queensland the vaccinating pharmacist and the pharmacy premises must be compliant with the requirements of the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996, Drug Therapy Protocol – Pharmacist Vaccination Program and the Pharmacist Vaccination Standard.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions document on vaccination
Canberra pharmacy students honoured for excellence
April 11, 2016
Two University of Canberra pharmacy students have been honoured with prestigious Awards sponsored by Australia’s peak body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Kayla Lee received the Gold Medal Award, presented at the Canberra Student Pharmacy Association (CaSPA) Ball on April 9, for the best overall student doing the Master of Pharmacy by coursework degree with a minimum of a distinction over the entire course.
Therese Pham won the Excellence in Pharmacy Practice Prize, awarded to the most outstanding second-year student undertaking the Master of Pharmacy by coursework degree.
Both student Award winners received cash prizes donated by the PSA.
PSA ACT Branch President Patrick Reid congratulated the winners, saying the standard of students involved in the Awards was exceptional this year.
“As the peak national organisation for pharmacists, the PSA is proud to once again sponsor these Awards, especially when we see the incredible calibre of young pharmacists graduating from the university,” Mr Reid said.
“The skills and knowledge displayed by pharmacists, plus their strong commitment and enthusiasm, highlighted that the future of Australia’s pharmacy profession was in excellent hands.
“I sincerely congratulate the winners but also all of the UC pharmacy students who are displaying such excellence in their studies and who are great ambassadors for both the university and their chosen career.”
Registrations open for innovative PSA16 event in Sydney
11 April 2016
Registrations are open for PSA16, the annual flagship conference for the peak national organisation for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
With a theme Leading Pharmacy Innovation, the comprehensive and engaging conference will be held from July 29-31 at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour hotel in Sydney with new state-of-the-art facilities.
The PSA’s premier professional development event will focus on how pharmacists can develop their role as healthcare professionals in Australia.
PSA National President Joe Demarte said: “With streams on health service delivery, innovations and emerging opportunities, the PSA16 program offers something for all pharmacists.”
Mr Demarte said PSA16 also offered a vast array of practical, income-generating workshops, clinical and therapeutic updates, career pathways as well as thought-provoking plenary and panel sessions.
“PSA16 has been expertly designed to maximise delegate networking opportunities and networking with our industry partners. Importantly, the comprehensive education program can also provide delegates with up to 30 CPD credits,” Mr Demarte said.
Another major highlight of this year’s conference will be the gala dinner on Saturday, July 30 at the hotel’s stunning Maritime Ballroom with jaw-dropping views over Sydney Harbour.
Delegates can register for three days, the weekend or one-day passes. Early bird registrations close on June 13, and as part of a special offer, PSA members will pay $625 for a full three-day registration.
Places are limited for PSA16, so register now to secure the early bird rate.
PSA16 is proudly supported by the official conference partners: