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THE NSW Government’s move to allow pharmacists to administer vaccinations beyond the humble ‘flu’ jab will be implemented as early as January 2019.
Blooms the Chemist Dubbo pharmacist Ray Masters is prepared for the adjustment and already has the necessary qualifications.
“The approval will start in January 2019,” he confirmed.
“The pharmacists who are already doing immunisations will be able to do the extra vaccinations.
“It just means that we will be able to do whooping cough and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) like flu shots.”
Diphtheria and tetanus shots will also be added to the list.
Mr Masters said they will still have to follow the correct protocols of medical administration.
“The pharmacist will sit with the customer and make sure that they are suitable for that vaccine,” he said. “It’s like going to the doctor.”
Mr Masters said the change won’t necessarily impact on pharmacy workloads.
“Vaccines last for years and we can only give vaccinations to those 16 years and older,” he said.
This eliminates most childhood immunisations which are generally given between birth and 4 years; however, pharmacists will be able to administer vaccines to family members of expectant mothers.
The new approval is also expected to free up doctors’ surgeries for other needs, an important factor in rural and regional areas where medical appointments can be difficult to attain.
The NSW Government will spend $22.75 million on state-wide immunisation programs in 2018-19.