Trained pharmacists across NSW will now be able to administer a variety of vaccinations, including for measles and whooping cough, to anyone aged over 16.
“In regional and remote parts of NSW, it can be hard to access a GP. That’s why having the option of a trained pharmacist makes things so much easier,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said in a statement.
The change comes into effect from Tuesday and covers the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough combination vaccine, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as well as the flu vaccine.
The jabs are given in a private room on the pharmacy premises with the trained pharmacist assessing the health of the patient beforehand. The shots are reported to the Australian Immunisation Register.
“Now, with this additional range of vaccinations available from pharmacists, we want to encourage 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,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in the statement.
People eligible for free government-funded vaccines, including children under five, Aboriginal people, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people over 65 will still need to visit their GPs.
Australian Associated Press