Better access to vaccines and UTI treatment for Canberrans
3 March 2023
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to welcome the ACT Government’s move to expand the vaccines and medicines that Canberrans can access from their local pharmacist.
From mid-March 2023, patients will be able to receive the hepatitis A and hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, typhoid and herpes zoster vaccines from their local pharmacist.
Canberrans will also be able to access pharmacist-prescribed antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs) under the New South Wales trial program.
PSA ACT President Olivia Collenette joined ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA to make the announcement on Friday morning.
“There should be no wrong door when patients are seeking a vaccine,” Ms Collenette said.
“Pharmacists are skilled and experienced immunisers who have delivered more than 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations nationally.
“The average Australian visits a pharmacy 18 times each year. That’s 18 opportunities to impart a health message and encourage them to get up to date with their vaccinations. When we are able to deliver those vaccines right from the pharmacy, we are taking down a barrier to care.
“Pharmacists are well positioned to play a greater role in primary health care too, and with appropriate further training, can make oral contraception and UTI treatments more accessible for all Canberrans.
“It’s important that a patient in Queanbeyan does not have lesser or greater access to healthcare than a patient in the ACT.
“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.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
Update – below are participating pharmacies in the ACT
| Pharmacy | Address | Suburb | Phone | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Chemist Charnwood | Charnwood Shopping Centre, Shops 7 & 8, Lhotsky Street | Charnwood | (02) 6258 4949 | ||
| Gold Creek Discount Drug Store | 3/46 O’Hanlon Place | Nicholls | (02) 6253 9702 | ||
| Life Pharmacy Group Erindale | Erindale Shopping Centre, Shop 11, 2 Denigan Street | Wanniassa | (02) 6231 6550 | ||
| Pharmasave Woden Pharmacy | Westfield Woden, Shop 67, 2 Keltie Street | Phillip | (02) 6282 3960 | ||
| The Pharmacy On Petrie | The Canberra Centre, Shop EG01, A/148 Bunda Street, Ground Floor Petrie St | Canberra | (02) 6249 8074 |
