The ACT Government has expanded the scope of services pharmacists can offer.

Ahead of the 2026 influenza season, the Pharmacist Vaccination Standards will be amended so pharmacists and intern pharmacists can administer influenza vaccines to children from two years and older. (Currently pharmacists can only vaccinate five-year-olds and older.)

“Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring Canberrans are protected from influenza during the winter season, and these amendments will make it more convenient for families to get vaccinated next year,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said.

This season, ACT pharmacists administered more than 75,000 influenza vaccines, up from more than 61,000 vaccines last year

The ACT Government has authorised trained pharmacists with private consultation rooms to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections and re-supply the contraceptive pill.

“This is a change from the current more onerous pharmacy licensing arrangement,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Pharmacists can now also treat mild, acute musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, acne, and acute nausea and vomiting.

“Evidence from other jurisdictions supports this expansion in scope of practice for qualified pharmacists,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“The authorisation for these services is anticipated to be available in early 2026 for pharmacists who have completed the mandated additional post-graduate training.”

“Thank you to all of the pharmacists in the ACT for the work you do to keep our community safe and healthy.”

The minister announced the reforms at the annual dinner of the Pharmacy Guild’s ACT Branch last night.

“This is the green-light that ACT community pharmacists have been waiting for,” president Simon Blacker said. “Pharmacists can now enrol in approved full-scope of practice training with the confidence that when qualified they can treat more patients for more health conditions.

“This commitment by the ACT Government will lead to better outcomes for patients, improved access to care, and ease the pressure on GPs and the ACT health system.”