Canberrans will have better access to vaccines and treatments for common health conditions with an expansion to pharmacy services in the ACT.
The ACT Pharmacist Vaccination Standards are being amended to allow Canberrans, depending on age to receive advice and vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid and herpes zoster at their local pharmacy without a prescription.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the expansion of the vaccine program is part of the ACT Government's commitment to improving access to healthcare in the community.
"Pharmacists play a key role in our health system, providing access to healthcare support and advice for many members of our community. Pharmacists have been providing vaccination services in the ACT since 2016 and provide a safe, accessible and valued option for Canberrans.
"By enabling pharmacists to administer a greater range of vaccines without prescription, we are improving access to immunisation services and helping to protect the community from preventable diseases."
Pharmacists in the ACT are also able to administer the seasonal influenza vaccine, the diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and COVID‑19 vaccines. The expanded vaccine program will come into effect in mid-March 2023.
The ACT Government has also secured agreement with the NSW Government for ACT Pharmacies to participate in the NSW-led trial to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacists prescribing antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
UTIs are a common condition in women and uncomplicated UTIs can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
ACT Health will continue to engage with NSW Health, the trial researchers at the University of Newcastle and pharmacy stakeholder bodies in the ACT. ACT Health will provide ACT pharmacists with further information about how to participate in the trial.
"Enabling pharmacists to assess and initiate treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections is expected to help patients access treatment more quickly and reduce pressure on other primary healthcare providers.
"Participation in this trial will help understand the role of pharmacist prescribing in the context of our health system and ensure alignment across ACT and NSW.
"We will continue to work closely with the pharmacy sector to ensure that they have the necessary training and resources to deliver these services safely and effectively," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
ACT pharmacies participating in the trial will be required to follow strict protocols and diagnostic criteria to ensure the safe and quality use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, and ensure patients understand when they may need to seek further care.
In the ACT, women can also receive treatment for uncomplicated UTIs at a nurse-led Walk-in Centre.
Quotes from Simon Blacker, President Pharmacy Guild of Australia (ACT Branch)
"Pharmacists played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, being available to help patients at all times, and administering well over 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the community. The Pharmacy Guild welcomes the Minister's decision to allow pharmacists to have a broader role in assisting the community with their health needs. We believe this will ease some pressure on the healthcare system," Mr Blacker said.
"I'd like to thank the Health Minister for enabling pharmacists in the ACT to be of even greater service and assistance to their patients and I look forward to working with the Government to deliver these services into the future."
Quotes from Olivia Collenette, President Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (ACT Branch)
"Pharmacists are well positioned to play a greater role in primary health care, and with appropriate further training, can make oral contraception and UTI treatments more accessible for all Canberrans.
"We welcome the ACT Government's announcement and their commitment to equitable healthcare, and look forward to working with them closely to progress the role of pharmacists in the ACT."
