PSA welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement that children 16 years and over will now be able to receive flu and measles vaccines from pharmacists.

The government will also make measles-mumps-rubella vaccines available at over 350 pharmacies across Victoria, further reducing the spread of preventable disease.

PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said he was delighted more people would have ready access to the vaccines from pharmacists, the most accessible health professionals in Australia.

“This is a practical and common-sense response by the government, particularly since pharmacists have already been vaccinating people 18 years and over for flu and whooping cough in Victoria since 2016,” Dr Jackson said.

“A younger and more vulnerable segment of the population can now get vaccinated quickly and easily, without having to make an appointment with a GP.”

The Tasmanian Government also took a proactive approach to a recent meningococcal outbreak by training authorised pharmacist immunisers to deliver the vaccine to eligible people over 10.

“Research has shown that almost two-in-three Australians believe pharmacists should be able to administer common vaccines that currently require a doctor’s appointment,” Dr Jackson said.

“Faster and easier access to vaccinations raises herd immunity and thus protects the entire community.

“Recently we have seen Victorian and Tasmanian state government take the initiative by utilising pharmacists’ extensive training and expertise, and we are working with governments to ensure pharmacists are better equipped to provide access to vaccines across the country.”