From mid-March, Canberrans will be able to be vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid, and herpes zoster at their local pharmacy without a prescription.
Pharmacists in the ACT already administer the seasonal influenza vaccine; the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine; the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; and COVID-19 vaccines.
The ACT Pharmacist Vaccination Standards are being amended so Canberrans can have better access to vaccines and treatments for common health conditions, health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
“By enabling pharmacists to administer a greater range of vaccines without prescription, we are improving access to immunisation services and helping to protect the community from preventable diseases.”
Simon Blacker, president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (ACT Branch), said that pharmacists played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. They could help patients at all times, and administered more than 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines.
“The Pharmacy Guild welcomes the Minister’s decision to allow pharmacists to have a broader role in assisting the community with their health needs. We believe this will ease some pressure on the healthcare system.”
Antibiotics trial for UTIs
ACT pharmacies will also take part in a NSW-led trial to evaluate antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
UTIs are a common condition in women, and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
ACT Health will engage with NSW Health, the trial researchers at the University of Newcastle, and pharmacy stakeholder bodies in the ACT. ACT Health will provide ACT pharmacists with further information about how to participate in the trial.
“Enabling pharmacists to assess and initiate treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections is expected to help patients access treatment more quickly, and reduce pressure on other primary healthcare providers,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Participation in this trial will help understand the role of pharmacist prescribing in the context of our health system, and ensure alignment across ACT and NSW.
“We will continue to work closely with the pharmacy sector to ensure that they have the necessary training and resources to deliver these services safely and effectively.”
ACT pharmacies taking part in the trial will follow strict protocols and diagnostic criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, and that patients understand when they may need to seek further care.
In the ACT, women can also receive treatment for uncomplicated UTIs at a nurse-led Walk-in Centre.
Olivia Collenette, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (ACT Branch), said: “Pharmacists are well positioned to play a greater role in primary health care, and with appropriate further training, can make oral contraception and UTI treatments more accessible for all Canberrans.
“We welcome the ACT Government’s announcement and their commitment to equitable healthcare, and look forward to working with them closely to progress the role of pharmacists in the ACT.”
