fbpx

Blog

Contact Us

Contact us on 1300 369 772 Monday to Friday, business hours

Share this page

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Flu vaccine urgent to help protect asthma patients this winter

29 April 2025

 

The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are urging health professionals to talk to their asthma patients about why they need to get the flu vaccine without delay.

 

Predictions of an early and severe influenza season have made this even more critical with between 60 to 70 per cent of asthma attacks due to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.

 

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead at the NAC, said health professionals play an important role in encouraging patients to get their influenza vaccine and make sure they are protected.

 

“Visits to the GP or pharmacy can provide the perfect opportunity to remind patients that the flu vaccine will remain effective for up to five months and provide immunity right throughout the flu season.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said it is important to stress that patients shouldn’t wait until the peak of the flu season before getting vaccinated.

 

“It’s still early in the season and we’re already seeing record numbers of flu cases. The latest figures show more than 67,000 laboratory-confirmed cases already this year, with cases expected to jump even higher once the cooler months hit.

 

“Vaccination is the best protection against severe illness. We are encouraging all Australians living with asthma to visit their local community pharmacy and speak to their pharmacist about immunisation as soon as possible.

 

“Every time a pharmacist dispenses a medicine for asthma management it is an opportunity to discuss influenza vaccination,” she said.

 

Clinical Associate Professor Rigby said that it was significant that higher risk Australians, including children and adults with asthma, now have access to free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

 

“Asthma patients should be reminded that they can easily access this via thousands of community pharmacies across Australia who offer flu vaccinations and many even offer walk-in appointments.

 

“Each year 25 to 30 per cent of influenza vaccines are delivered by community pharmacy, so when patients come in to fill their asthma medication script, it is the perfect time to speak to them about also getting their flu vaccine.

 

“Now is also the ideal time for patients to schedule an annual asthma review with their GP to assess if they need to make any changes to their asthma medications and update their written asthma action plan so they stay well over winter,” said Clinical Associate Professor Rigby.

 

The NAC has also released a ‘10 myths about influenza’ fact sheet in time for the flu season that patients can download.

 

NAC media contact: Donna Le Page, Le Page PR, M: 0412 797 937 Email: donna@lepage-pr.com.au

PSA media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

Pharmacists stepping up to protect Australians this World Immunisation Week

28 April 2025

 

With vaccine-preventable diseases on the rise, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is reminding Australians of the critical importance of staying up to date with vaccinations during World Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2025).

 

Record numbers of influenza cases have already been reported across Australia in 2025, while measles cases are surging globally and in parts of Australia.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said vaccination remains one of the most important and effective health interventions to protect against severe vaccine-preventable illnesses and death.

 

“When it comes to reducing mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases and improving health outcomes, vaccination is second only to clean drinking water,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“With thousands of pharmacists around the country providing vaccination services, it’s never been easier to ensure you’re fully protected and up to date with your vaccines.”

 

Pharmacists across Australia are available to check vaccination records, provide advice, and administer vaccines, making it easier to catch up on any missed doses and stay protected.

 

“Pharmacists are accessible, knowledgeable, and trusted immunisers. We can help ensure you and your loved ones are protected against preventable diseases, particularly as we face rising flu cases and the resurgence of diseases like measles,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“We can check your vaccination history, providing expert advice on the vaccinations that will help you stay healthy. We can often provide catch up vaccinations at the same time, and where needed can provide timely referrals to a GP.

 

“This World Immunisation Week, PSA recognises and thanks the pharmacists around the country delivering lifesaving vaccinations every single day.

 

“Now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected. Speak to your pharmacist and don’t delay getting up to date on your vaccines,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

Many Australians are eligible for free vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including young children, older adults, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Islander people, and those at greater risk of severe illness.

 

Australians are encouraged to check their eligibility for NIP vaccinations via the Department of Health and Aged Care or by visiting their local pharmacist.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

Vale Prof Gabrielle Cooper OAM

Media release: 24 April 2025

 

Photo of Professor Gabrielle Cooper holding her award certificate in 2021

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM, who died yesterday (23 April) after a short illness.

 

Prof. Cooper was one of Australia’s most esteemed pharmacists, who demonstrated a relentless and career-long commitment to the pharmacy profession over many decades. Her career spanned a wide variety of practice settings, leadership roles and academia.

 

Prof. Cooper served on PSA’s ACT Branch Committee from 2009-2016, which included serving as PSA’s first ACT Branch President (twice) from 2009, and fulfilling the role of PSA National Board Director between 2011 and 2013. PSA’s ACT branch awarded her the ACT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

 

Prof. Cooper graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1983. She commenced her career as a clinical pharmacist in Hobart, before practising as a hospital pharmacist at Royal Canberra Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children in London and then University of Tasmania as a clinical educator.

 

Returning to Canberra in 1995, she served as Director of Pharmacy at John James Memorial Hospital, Poisons Information Pharmacist at The Canberra Hospital and Director of Pharmacy at Calvary Hospital between 2002 and 2003.

 

Her interest in drug overdose led her to undertake a PhD in clinical toxicology. Her seminal work has been widely cited and led to changes in clinical practice such that activated charcoal in drug overdose is now used in more restricted situations.

 

Following a critical shortage of pharmacists in Canberra and the surrounding region, Prof. Cooper established the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra, where she remained the Head of Pharmacy and was elevated to Full Professor in 2010.

 

Her contribution to the profession also included serving on the ACT Pharmacy Board (2006-2010) and being appointed Chair of the Capital Health Network (CHN) in 2015. Her leadership at CHN led to the establishment of the Pharmacists in General Practice trial in the ACT, the first of its kind in Australia.

 

In 2017 Prof. Cooper was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the pharmacy sector and to tertiary education”.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim paid tribute to Professor Cooper and her substantial contribution to the practice of pharmacy in Australia:

 

‘All of us at PSA are deeply saddened to learn of Gabrielle’s passing’ she said.

 

‘A visionary ahead of her time, Gabrielle leaves a substantial legacy, which ranges from forging new practice pathways for pharmacists in general practice, to establishing the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and to research which altered clinical guidelines for activated charcoal in drug overdose.’

 

‘I extend my sincere condolences to Gabrielle’s family, friends and colleagues who are grieving the loss of such an inspirational and special woman,’ A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA National Vice President and academic colleague Professor Mark Naunton paid tribute to Professor Cooper’s flair and aptitude for as an educator and change-maker in the profession:

 

‘Gabrielle was a motivating and inspirational teacher. Those who were privileged to have learnt from her attest to her aptitude for instilling clinical knowledge, passion for disease state management, and skills in problem solving, leadership and communication.

 

‘Her elegant ability to articulate logically made her a positive role model to students, pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policy makers alike.’

 

‘She will be deeply missed.’

 

Professor Cooper’s funeral will be held at 2.00 pm on 1 May 2025 at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra. In lieu of Flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Australia would be greatly appreciated.

 

Prof. Gabrielle Cooper (left) with Prof. Mark Naunton (right) in 2021

Share this page
Share this page

Quality Use of Medicines Alliance expanding into new clinical topics

15 April 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is continuing its work as part of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, a multidisciplinary group of health and consumer organisations delivering free health education for a national audience of health professionals and consumers.

 

Building on its existing suite of resources, the QUM Alliance is expanding into new topic areas including menopause, secondary stroke prevention, antidepressants in teens and young adults, osteoporosis, and complex comorbidity.

 

Supported by the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program, the addition of these new topics builds on the work of the QUM Alliance in atopic dermatitis (eczema), gout, antidepressants in older people, and oral anticoagulants in people with atrial fibrillation over the past two years.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “PSA is proud to be a part of the QUM Alliance, championing the collaborative learning of all health professionals on some of Australia’s most prevalent health issues.”

 

“PSA is leading the way for QUM education, representing the pharmacy profession and working closely with other Alliance members to upskill not only pharmacists but also other health professionals and consumers.

 

“We look forward to continuing this important work over the next three years, and encourage pharmacists across all areas of practice to engage with the QUM Alliance resources,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

 

Current PSA education offerings produced as part of the QUM Alliance are available here.

 

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

WA’s leading pharmacists named in PSA Awards

14 April 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has presented its 2025 Western Australia Pharmacy Awards, recognising the pharmacists going above and beyond to deliver better care for their communities.

 

As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA awards pharmacists who make significant contributions to the pharmacy profession through their leadership, commitment to patient care, and excellence in practice.

 

The pharmacists named in the 2025 West Australian Pharmacy Awards are:

  • Ashleigh Chapman MPS as PSA West Australian Pharmacist of the Year
  • Rhiannon Price MPS as PSA West Australian Early Career Pharmacist of the Year
  • Rachel Lawson MPS as PSA West Australian Intern Pharmacist of the Year
  • Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes FPS as recipient of the PSA West Australian Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

PSA WA President Kristian Ray MPS congratulated recipients.

 

“West Australian pharmacists are stepping up across our health system – I’m proud to recognise and celebrate their impact” Mr Ray said.

 

“Our WA award winners do themselves and their profession proud and are exceptionally worthy recipients. On behalf of the entire PSA community, congratulations to Ash, Rhiannon, Rachel and Jeff.”

 

About our winners:


Ashleigh Chapman – PSA WA Pharmacist of the Year

 

Ashleigh Chapman is an outstanding pharmacist whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient-centred care have improved medicines stewardship, and equitable access to care in her community. As a non-dispensing General Practice pharmacist at View Street Medical in North Perth, Ash is a driving force in service innovation, improving measurable health outcomes for vulnerable populations and assisting patients in managing chronic disease.

 

Ash plays an essential role in ensuring medicine safety, conducting comprehensive medication reviews, identifying and managing drug interactions, and leading practice-wide quality improvement initiatives. Her audits on chronic kidney disease and RSV vaccine eligibility have directly contributed to enhanced patient care, with further initiatives planned to support cardiovascular health.

 

Her leadership in medicines stewardship extends to overseeing practice medication stocktake and ordering, as well as managing long-acting injectable HIV medications at the Cabenuva clinic.

 

Ash’s coordination of the long-acting injectable HIV medication clinic exemplifies her commitment to equity and access to care. By enabling individuals to receive their treatment in a general practice setting instead of a hospital, she reduces barriers to care and stigma.

 

This initiative directly contributes to Western Australia’s progress toward the WHO’s “95-95-95” HIV targets. Additionally, her work at Casson House support individuals with complex mental health needs, while her work with gender-affirming healthcare ensures that high-risk patients receive the care they need with dignity and support.

 

A dedicated mentor, Ash actively shares her expertise with GP registrars, medical students, and nurses. Her presentation at the General Practice Pharmacist Symposium in March further highlights her contributions to the profession.

 

For her unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, advancing pharmacy practice, and fostering workforce development, Ashleigh Chapman is a highly deserving recipient of the PSA WA Pharmacist of the Year award.

 

Rhiannon Price MPS – PSA WA Early Career Pharmacist of the Year

 

Rhiannon is an innovative and dedicated pharmacist whose contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care and pharmacy practice are improving patient outcomes. As a General Practice pharmacist at Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service in Maddington, she has led initiatives that enhance health literacy, improve chronic disease management, and advance the role of pharmacists in both primary and aged care settings. Rhiannon also works as a clinical pharmacist at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

 

A leader in clinical service innovation, Rhiannon has implemented a pharmacist-led spirometry service, supporting early diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. She has also introduced continuous glucose monitoring, empowering patients to better understand and manage their diabetes while using this as an educational tool to strengthen health literacy. Her ability to foster trust and build strong relationships within the community ensures a culturally safe healthcare environment for First Nations people.

 

Beyond her clinical work, Rhiannon is shaping the future of pharmacy practice. She was named a 2024 Advancing Practice Pioneer by the Australian Journal of Pharmacy in recognition of her leadership in Aboriginal healthcare. Her work on the aged care on-site pharmacist (ACOP) model, incorporating expert and consumer feedback into a key policy paper, demonstrates her commitment to workforce development and the future of aged care pharmacy. Additionally, she has contributed to PSA’s educational package, supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality travel health consultations.

 

Rhiannon’s expertise, compassionate communication, and commitment to culturally responsive care make her a valued member of her healthcare team. Her passion for patient-centred care and ability to drive meaningful change position her as a role model for early career pharmacists. For her leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving health outcomes, Rhiannon is a deserving recipient of the PSA WA Early Career Pharmacist of the Year award.

 

Rachel Lawson – PSA WA Intern Pharmacist of the Year

 

Rachel Lawson has demonstrated exceptional dedication to patient-centred care, health promotion, and harm reduction throughout her internship, making a significant impact on both her pharmacy team and the wider community.

 

Committed to integrating preventative health strategies into pharmacy practice, Rachel played a key role in training colleagues on initiating health-focused conversations with patients. Having worked in multiple pharmacy roles over six years, she fostered a positive and empowering team environment, supporting staff across all levels.

 

Rachel’s leadership in harm reduction was evident in her advocacy for the Take Home Naloxone program, where she developed consumer-friendly resources and staff training to improve naloxone accessibility, reducing the risk of opioid overdose. She also introduced innovative services, including HIV Self Testing within the pharmacy and a COPD risk screening pilot using the Vitalograph COPD-6 device. Her coordination of bone health clinics further showcased her commitment to preventative healthcare.

 

Beyond service delivery, Rachel actively engaged with her peers and community. She led a high-impact sleep health presentation for over 150 community members, collaborating with a local researcher to raise awareness of sleep disorders and management options.

 

Rachel’s proactive mindset, leadership, and commitment to public health make her a highly deserving recipient of the PSA WA Intern Pharmacist of the Year award.

 

Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes FPS – PSA WA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

 

Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes is recognised with the PSA WA Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding 45-year career in pharmacy, spanning clinical practice, education, and research, including as PSA’s National Vice-President from 2015 to 2016. His contributions have shaped the profession and left a lasting impact on patient care, pharmacy education, and medication management.

 

Beginning his career as a hospital pharmacist in 1980, Jeff played a pioneering role in advancing clinical pharmacy practice in Australia. As the leader of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands, he was instrumental in integrating pharmacists into patient care teams. He later led the Western Australian Antibiotic Guidelines Review Committee, a critical initiative in improving medicine safety across the state.

 

Transitioning to academia in 1997, Jeff’s influence expanded as he shaped the education of future pharmacists at Curtin University. His leadership led to the establishment of the Australasian Clinical Pharmacy Education seminars, which have enhanced pharmacists’ skills in medication management. Under his tenure as Head of Curtin’s School of Pharmacy, the school’s research output tripled, and its global ranking significantly improved.

 

A prolific researcher, Jeff has secured $14 million in research grants and published 176 refereed journal articles on critical issues such as hypertension, diabetes management, and medication transitions. His collaborations with national and international institutions have further strengthened the field of pharmacy research.

 

He is currently the Chief Scientific Officer of PainChek Ltd which is commercialising AI based pain assessment tools that he co-invented.

 

Jeff’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing pharmacy practice. His contributions have shaped clinical education, policy, and research, making him a truly deserving recipient of the PSA WA Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

​Photos of the winners are available on request.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

Federal Election Social Media Advocacy Kit

Click on the social media tiles to download. Use PSA’s suggested caption or write your own – and don’t forget to tag your local candidates!

Suggested caption: 

 

Pharmacists are providing more timely services in more convenient locations through expanded scope of practice. This election, I want to see strong support for pharmacists to continue providing better community healthcare.

 

Suggested caption: 

 

With government investment in full scope training for pharmacists, we can do more to keep patients out of emergency departments. This election I’m calling on (TAG LOCAL CANDIDATES) to back pharmacists, supporting us to support our communities.

Suggested caption: 

 

Patients are punished for accessing care from their local pharmacist, paying private prescription costs on PBS-listed medicines all because of who prescribed them. It’s time to give patients equitable access to medicines by allowing pharmacists to prescribe on the PBS.

Suggested caption: 

 

Every medicine-related incident is a chance to learn and improve safety. Tragically, this rarely happens outside the facility the incident occurs. A national system for doctors, pharmacists and patients to log incidents and share safety lessons is needed to protect patients.

Suggested caption: 

 

Older Australians deserve high-quality care. Pharmacists in aged care are reducing medicines harm and improving quality of life, but we need fair remuneration to attract the best pharmacists to this area of practice and continue delivering essential care.

Suggested caption: 

 

Patients miss out when pharmacists are capped, underfunded, or cut off from telehealth. Let’s lift HMR caps, bring back telehealth, and ensure funding keeps up with inflation so pharmacists can reach more people in need.

Suggested caption: 

 

Culturally safe care must include medicine safety. Pharmacists embedded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services are making a real difference. It’s time for permanent funding – because the expertise and support of pharmacists should be available in all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, not just a few.

Suggested caption: 

 

Pharmacists in general practice help patients manage medicines, avoid hospital, and get better health outcomes. Expanding WIP funding ensures more patients can benefit from our expertise as part of their healthcare team, right where they need it.

Suggested caption: 

 

As a pharmacist I see how my profession is stepping every single day. But I also see the challenges that prevent us from delivering the care our patients need.

 

This election, I’m calling on independents, major and minor parties to commit to supporting pharmacists so we can deliver safer and more accessible care for all Australians.

Share this page
Share this page

Queensland’s nation-leading Collaborative Pharmacist Medication Prescribing to make hospital care safer and more efficient

9 April 2025

 

 

Queensland is continuing to lead the nation in improving access to care, becoming the first jurisdiction to introduce state-wide Collaborative Pharmacist Medication Prescribing, allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medicines in collaboration with a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner in both public and private hospitals. This includes charting medicines for administration in inpatient settings and prescribing medicines for supply to patients on discharge or in an outpatient setting.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the move celebrating the Queensland Government for their nation-leading reform, which PSA’s vision Pharmacists in 2030 specifically highlights as a key system change needed to improve access to care.

 

PSA Queensland Vice-President and Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI member Hannah Knowles MPS said better using pharmacist’s scope will mean better hospital care for Queenslanders.

 

“Collaborative Pharmacist Medication Prescribing is a welcome and progressive step that places patients at the centre of care. It enables pharmacists and prescribers to work side by side to ensure medicines are used safely, effectively, and efficiently,” Ms Knowles said

 

“Evidence from existing partnered charting models shows when pharmacists are actively involved in prescribing, we see fewer medication errors, stronger interdisciplinary communication, and better patient outcomes – particularly during hospital stays and transitions of care. These models also support reduced length of stay and improved patient flow, helping to ease pressure on busy emergency departments and reduce the number of patients waiting for a bed.”

 

“These developments reflect the evolving role of pharmacists as medicines experts and build on the valuable work already happening across Queensland – supporting clinical decision-making, identifying and managing medication-related problems, and ensuring patients and their GPs receive accurate, timely medication information at discharge.”

 

“On behalf of the PSA, I thank the Queensland Government for supporting this initiative and for recognising the vital role pharmacists play in improving patient care and reducing medicine-related harm in our hospitals,” Ms Knowles concluded.

 

Chair of PSA’s Hospital Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest Professor Michael Dooley MPS said the state-wide adoption of a collaborative prescribing model was particularly exciting, paving the way for further national expansion.

 

“There is clear evidence that the collaborative practice model works, improving prescribing and significantly reducing medication errors,” Professor Dooley said.

 

“This model was established at the Alfred over 10 years ago and has expanded across many clinical areas, it’s a truly collaborative model developed with our medical colleagues that allows pharmacists to practice to our full scope.

 

“We’ve seen collaborative practice develop over time as individual services adopt the model, but to have this state-wide adoption is really exciting and should be a catalyst for other jurisdictions to follow.

 

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this model improves practice and patient care across Queensland,” Professor Dooley concluded.

 

 

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

PSA driving national Quality Use of Medicines agenda

8 April 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is continuing its leadership in Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) and medicine safety, the 10th National Health Priority Area, securing involvement in six key health professional projects and one consumer-focused initiative under the Australian Government’s recently announced Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDPT) grants.

 

These projects further build on PSA’s ongoing leadership in QUM initiatives, providing best-practice guidance to pharmacists, healthcare professionals and consumers to improve safe and effective medicine use in Australia.

 

Under this grant round alone, PSA is involved in projects spanning some of Australia’s most pressing health issues from palliative care and polypharmacy, to better supporting patients from a range socioeconomic, literacy, cultural, linguistic backgrounds, providing pharmacists with the resources and education necessary to improve patient outcomes and support complex medication management.

 

These projects will ensure that both consumers and health professionals have access to the latest evidence-based guidance on the safe and effective use of medicines.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said these projects reflect PSA’s commitment to ensuring all Australians receive the best possible health outcomes from their medicines.

 

“Quality Use of Medicines is essential to safe and effective healthcare, and pharmacists are integral to ensuring medicines are used appropriately,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“PSA is proud to support and partner in these vital projects, equipping pharmacists with the resources and education they need to help consumers make informed decisions about their medicines.

 

“These initiatives reinforce PSA’s role as the leader in pharmacist education, ensuring our profession is equipped with the knowledge and skills to support safe and effective medicine use.

 

“As pharmacists step up into increasingly complex roles, high-quality education and training are essential to delivering better health outcomes for Australians.”

 

PSA’s leadership in medicine safety continues to drive national efforts to optimise medicine use and enhance patient care, supporting pharmacists in their roles as medicines experts.

 

Further detail about each project will be shared over the coming weeks.​

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

PSA brings together health sector leaders for programs roundtable

7 April 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes attendees to its sector-wide roundtable today in Canberra, bringing together over 20 pharmacy, practitioner representatives, medical, health and consumer groups from across the country to shape an upcoming agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government.

 

Announced in January 2025, the forthcoming agreement will be the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs, focusing on a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The new agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together, alongside other pharmacy and the wider health stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said today’s roundtable was an important collaborative process to ensure pharmacy programs evolve in ways that reflect the needs of the health system, the profession, and most importantly, the patients pharmacists serve.

 

“PSA is proud to lead this process on behalf of our profession, bringing together stakeholders from across the pharmacy sector, government, and the broader health system to share ideas, priorities and expertise,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists, across all areas of practice, PSA is driving a collaborative, inclusive process that brings together key stakeholder groups and government partners through a collaborative engagement approach. We all want the same outcome – to optimise program delivery for the benefit of the patients we serve.

 

“We are also committed to hearing directly from pharmacists who are delivering these services every day. Our national consultation process includes direct engagement with practising pharmacists, including a survey now open to gather frontline feedback on individual programs. The sector-wide roundtable today is only part of the overall consultation approach PSA is undertaking.”

 

The roundtable builds on PSA’s long-standing commitment to genuine collaboration with government, sector leaders and the pharmacy profession to ensure services are fit-for-purpose, evidence-based and sustainable into the future.

 

“Pharmacists are stepping up in every corner of the country,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Our programs must evolve to support high-quality, accessible care for all Australians.”

 

Individual practitioners can submit feedback via the pharmacy programs hub here.

 

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page
Share this page

Pharmacists urge Australians to get vaccinated as record influenza cases reported

1 April 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging all Australians to protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated against influenza ahead of the upcoming flu season.

 

The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) has reported record numbers of influenza cases, with more than 42,000 laboratory confirmed cases recorded since January 2025.

 

With flu cases expected to rise even further as the cooler months approach, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS says now is the time for Australians to roll up their sleeves.

 

“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting vaccinated before the peak of the flu season,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We have seen time and again the serious consequences of underestimating influenza, particularly for vulnerable Australians including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.

 

“I urge all Australians, no matter your age, to get vaccinated early to reduce the risk of serious illness and help prevent the spread of the virus.”

 

Associate Professor Sim encouraged Australians to visit their local community pharmacy and speak to their pharmacist about immunisation as soon as possible.

 

“Pharmacists are accessible vaccinators, with thousands of community pharmacies across Australia offering flu vaccinations and many offering walk-in appointments.

 

“It is easier than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza. Visit your local pharmacy and get your flu vaccine today,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age. Higher risk Australians have access to free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including children under five, adults over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

 

Queensland and Western Australia are currently the only jurisdictions to offer state-funded influenza vaccinations for all residents ahead of the 2025 flu season.

​

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Share this page

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

CONTACT US | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY

© 2025 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.