Which vaccines can I get from my community pharmacist?
Under NSW regulation and authorisation, NSW pharmacists who
have undertaken appropriate training are able to administer the following
privately funded vaccines:
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa) –
people aged 16 years and over
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) – people aged 16 years and
over
• Influenza – people aged 10 years and over
Why are pharmacists allowed to administer more vaccines?
Before 1 January 2019, NSW pharmacists could only administer
the influenza vaccine to individuals aged 18 years and over. Changes to
regulations have expanded the vaccines available from community pharmacists.
The changes now make the influenza vaccine more readily available to people
aged 10 years and over, as well as whooping cough and measles vaccines to
people aged 16 years and over. This will be beneficial in areas where access to
a GP may be limited. Grandparents and carers of young children and partners of
pregnant women will also benefit with having access to the whooping cough
vaccine before having contact with a newborn infant. Although the MMR vaccine
is free for susceptible young adults from GPs, making the vaccine more readily
available will benefit those who do not routinely attend a GP.
Who should receive diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)?
The dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) vaccine is
recommended for anyone who wishes to protect themselves against these diseases.
Booster doses should be received every 10 years. It is particularly important
for healthcare workers and anyone who will be having contact with newborn
babies to ensure that they receive the booster vaccine against whooping cough.
This includes partners of pregnant women, grandparents, extended family and
friends. Women should have a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy,
ideally at 28-32 weeks gestation but it can be received any time in the third
trimester. This vaccine is free for pregnant women from their GP or maternity
service.
Who should receive measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)?
Anyone born during or since 1966 that does not have
documentation of two doses of measles vaccine is recommended to receive this
vaccine, particularly young adult travellers who may be visiting countries
where measles continues to circulate, such as most countries in Asia and many
in Europe.
Is it safe to be vaccinated by a pharmacist?
Yes. Pharmacists are required to complete a comprehensive
training program which includes conducting a pre-vaccination assessment and
management of any adverse event that may occur after vaccination. Pharmacists
in NSW have been safely administering influenza vaccines since 2015 and no
safety concerns have been identified.
Can a 16-year-old consent to vaccination?
Yes. However, the pharmacist can only administer the
vaccineif they are certain that the person understands what they are
to. The pharmacist must perform a pre-vaccination assessment
before administering any vaccine.
Why can’t I get my child vaccinated at the pharmacy?
Vaccinating children can be more complex than adults and
they often require several vaccines at the same time. Most vaccines that are
required by children are available for free through either a state funded
program or the National Immunisation Program. These free vaccines are available
from GPs, some council or Community Health clinics, and Aboriginal Medical
Services. When receiving these vaccines your child will also likely receive
medical assessment appropriate to their developmental milestones.
How will my GP have a record of any vaccinations I receive
at a pharmacy?
Your GP will be able to look up your vaccination record via
the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The AIR is a national register that
records vaccines given to all people of all ages and information in the
Register is accessible by authorised health professionals such as GPs, nurse
immunisers and authorised pharmacists, as well as by individuals for their own
records and those of their children.
