SA pharmacists now eligible to vaccinate children from 5 years against Influenza

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) South Australian Branch welcomes the announcement that pharmacist immunisers in SA can now administer influenza vaccines to children from 5 years of age.

On Friday, the SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, confirmed changes to allow trained pharmacist immunisers to supply and administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccines to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people from five years, and private market influenza vaccines from five years of age.

PSA SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, welcomed the announcement, which will significantly improve vaccine access for young people across SA.

“This is great news for both South Australians and our pharmacist immunisers. Influenza vaccinations are as important as ever this year, and we are pleased that SA’s pharmacists can help increase vaccine accessibility and protect our vulnerable populations.

“Our pharmacists continue to go over and above for their communities. They are one of our most accessible healthcare workforces and are trained and experienced in vaccinating younger age groups.

“This announcement partially delivers on one of PSA’s SA election recommendations – that pharmacist be enabled to administer medicines by injection, with an expanded range of vaccines,” Ms Johns said.

PSA will continue to work closely with the South Australian Government to improve vaccine accessibility for all South Australian residents.

/Public Release.