The ACT Government is working to expand the scope of services pharmacists can offer in a range of areas, including more services to protect younger Canberrans.
This includes amending the Pharmacist Vaccination Standards ahead of the 2026 Influenza season to enable pharmacists and intern pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines to children from 2 years and older (currently 5 years and older).
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said pharmacists contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of Canberrans through the many services they offer including administering influenza vaccines.
"This season, ACT pharmacists administered more than 75,000 influenza vaccines, up from over 61,000 vaccines last year," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring Canberrans are protected from influenza during the winter season, and these amendments will make it more convenient for families to get vaccinated next year."
The ACT Government has also committed to authorising trained pharmacists with private consultation rooms to provide more services, including treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and re-supply of the contraceptive pill. This is a change from the current more onerous pharmacy licensing arrangement.
The Government is also making it possible for pharmacists to deliver an expanded scope of services including treatment for mild, acute musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, acne, and acute nausea and vomiting.
"Evidence from other jurisdictions supports this expansion in scope of practice for qualified pharmacists. The authorisation for these services is anticipated to be available in early 2026 for pharmacists who have completed the mandated additional post-graduate training," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Thank you to all of the pharmacists in the ACT for the work you do to keep our community safe and healthy."
The ACT Branch of the Pharmacy Guild welcomed the announcement made by Minister Stephen-Smith at their annual dinner last night.
"This is the green-light that ACT community pharmacists have been waiting for. Pharmacists can now enrol in approved full-scope of practice training with the confidence that when qualified they can treat more patients for more health conditions," ACT Guild Branch President, Simon Blacker said.
"This commitment by the ACT Government will lead to better outcomes for patients, improved access to care, and ease the pressure on GPs and the ACT health system."
