Queensland unleashes the potential of pharmacist immunisers, PSA calls on other states to follows

6 February 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has strongly endorsed the announcement today by the Queensland Government’s announcement to support full-scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers.

 

The Crisafulli Government’s announcement will see legislation amended to enable trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to vaccinate more age groups in more locations against more vaccine-preventable diseases across Queensland.

 

Queensland PSA President Hannah Knowles said the scope of practice reforms are critical for the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, improving access, prevention and system resilience:

 

“When pharmacists are authorised to vaccinate more age groups and, in more settings, it removes unnecessary barriers to care and allows the health system to respond where demand actually exists, in the community.”

 

Ms Knowles reflected that the Australian community had strong confidence in pharmacist immunisers, who have become a core part of the vaccination workforce, as well as providing substantial surge capacity to vaccination campaigns during the Autumn and Winter periods of peak demand.

 

“Pharmacist immunisers safely administer millions of vaccines doses each year to protect Australians against vaccine-preventable diseases.  But up until now, pharmacist and patients have had to navigate complex regulations regarding legal authority to vaccinate which haven’t lined up with clinical recommendations. This has, in itself, become a barrier to vaccination,” she said.

 

“This change will mean pharmacist immunisers can administer vaccines to all patients where clinically appropriate and within their individual level of competency.”

 

PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton called on other jurisdictions to follow Queensland’s lead:

 

“I congratulate the Queensland Government for this common-sense announcement which will benefit patients. I urge state and territory government around Australia to join Queensland and South Australia in simplifying vaccination regulation so that it works for patients, rather than work against them.”

 

PSA also welcomed the announcement of a free-flu program in Queensland for 2026, which will include the needle-free nasal spray influenza vaccine for eligible children aged two to five years. This program will commence on 1 March 2026.

 

“Prevention only works if people can actually access services,” Ms Knowles said.

 

“By pairing an expanded free flu program with modernised scope of practice settings, the Government is addressing both supply and accessibility, which is exactly what’s needed to lift vaccination rates.”

 

Ms Knowles said enabling pharmacists to vaccinate broader cohorts supports health system sustainability by reducing avoidable hospitalisations and easing pressure on emergency departments during winter.

 

“Influenza leads to preventable hospital admissions every year, particularly among older Queenslanders, people with chronic disease and vulnerable communities,” she said.

 

“Recognising full scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers is a smart, evidence-based way to keep people well, reduce demand on hospitals, and ensure healthcare resources are used where they are needed most.”

 

PSA looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on implementing the expanded free influenza vaccination program and supporting the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists to ensure pharmacists continue to deliver safe, high-quality immunisation services across Queensland.

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen media@psa.org.au