NT community better protected by removing barriers to vaccination by pharmacists

Friday June 5 2020

 

Those most vulnerable in the Northern Territory (NT) will now be better protected following an announcement by the NT Government today to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations outside of a community pharmacy.

 

In a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), pharmacists are now able to provide vaccinations in places such as residential aged care settings, Aboriginal Medical Services, private and public hospitals as well as community pharmacies.

 

PSA SA/NT Branch President Robyn Johns congratulated the NT Government for this announcement that will ensure pharmacists can vaccinate more people, particularly those most vulnerable in our society against preventable diseases such as influenza.

 

“This announcement means people who have difficulty accessing vaccinations, particularly those who may be housebound due to COVID-19 or residents of aged care facilities can now be provided much needed vaccines,” she said.

 

“This year we have seen a particularly large uptake from people, including those in the Northern Territory accessing the influenza vaccine and pharmacists continue to play a key role in keeping the community safe.

 

“PSA has advocated and worked with the NT Government for many years to improve access to vaccinations to protect the community and this announcement will go a long way in boosting vaccination rates across the territory.”

 

The Government also announced that influenza vaccinations can now be administered by pharmacists to children aged 10 years and older (previously 16 years), also helping increase the vaccination rates across the territory.

 

Ms Johns said PSA members have experienced frustrations from parents in recent influenza seasons where it was difficult to arrange access for their children to get their influenza vaccine.

 

“Pharmacists are the most accessible to the community than any other health provider and are well trained in the administration of these vaccines,” she said.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists, we will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to allow pharmacists to remove more barriers which restrict pharmacists from administering other vaccines to protect the NT community.

 

Media contact: PSA SA/NT State Manager Helen Stone: 0418 846 426