The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the Federal Budget measure expanding access to National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines for children up to five years of age, making it easier for families to protect their children's health. The measure was accepted by the federal government at the request of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in its pre-budget submission.
By broadening access to childhood vaccinations through community pharmacy, the measure will help lift vaccination rates while removing barriers that many families face, including long wait times, limited appointment availability and difficulty accessing care outside standard business hours.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said the Budget measure recognises the vital role community pharmacy plays in supporting families and improving health outcomes for children.
"This is a positive and practical reform that puts children and families first," Professor Twomey said.
"By expanding access to NIP vaccines through community pharmacy, the government is making it easier for busy parents and carers to get their children vaccinated without long waits or unnecessary barriers."
Professor Twomey said community pharmacies are ideally placed to support increased vaccine uptake, particularly for young children.
"Community pharmacists are highly trained and trusted health professionals, and pharmacies are already delivering vaccinations safely and effectively across Australia," he said.
"For many families, getting a child vaccinated can mean taking time off work or waiting weeks for an appointment. Now parents will be able to walk into their local pharmacy, speak to a healthcare professional they trust, and receive care when they need it."
Community pharmacies are Australia's most accessible frontline healthcare destination, with more than 6,000 locations nationwide. They are open earlier, later and longer including on weekends and public holidays. Australians visit a community pharmacy on average every three weeks, creating a unique opportunity to deliver timely and trusted preventative care close to home.
"Expanding access to vaccinations through pharmacy helps take pressure off GPs and hospitals, while ensuring children get the protection they need at the right time," Professor Twomey said.
"It's exactly the kind of reform that strengthens the healthcare system by making better use of Australia's most accessible health network."
