PSA leads new initiative to improve medicine safety for Australians with intellectual disability

25 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced a new initiative to improve medicine safety and health outcomes for people with intellectual disability, in partnership with the South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability (SACID) and the University of Newcastle (UoN).

 

Supported by the 2025 Innovation Seed Funding Grants from the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health, the project aims to empower people with intellectual disability to feel confident, informed, and in control of their medicines.

 

Australians with intellectual disability face serious and persistent health inequities, including a 4.5-fold higher risk of preventable hospitalisations and more than twice the rate of avoidable deaths. This initiative seeks to close that gap by improving health literacy, medicine safety, and access to pharmacist-led services such as medication reviews, dose administration aids, prescribing, and injectable medicines.
 

As part of the project, PSA will work alongside SACID and people with intellectual disability to co-design interactive workshops and Easy Read resources that build understanding of safe medicine use and highlight how pharmacists can support individual health needs.
 

“Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support Australians with intellectual disability through personalised, accessible, and inclusive care,” PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said.

 

“This initiative builds on our Medicine Safety: Disability Care report and reaffirms PSA’s commitment to making healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and safe for all Australians.

 

“By bringing together lived experience, clinical expertise, and research, this collaboration is a powerful step toward reducing health inequities and delivering better, safer care for a community that has long been overlooked.”

 

SACID Executive Director Felicity Crowther added: “Accessible health information is key to improving health outcomes for people with intellectual disability.

 

“It is also important for people with intellectual disability to understand the role their pharmacist can have in supporting their health. SACID is pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside PSA and UoN on this new project,” Ms Crowther concluded.

 

The project is currently in development, with delivery expected to commence in 2026.

 

PSA continues to lead national efforts to improve medicine safety for all Australians, ensuring no one is left behind.

 

 

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

Melbourne community pharmacist named inaugural Vaccination Ambassador

23 July 2025

 

 

Following a nationwide search, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has proudly appointed Melbourne based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos MPS as its inaugural Vaccination Ambassador.

 

Anna was selected for her passion, dedication and advocacy in the vaccination space. In aged care, she is pioneering systems that ensure residents receive timely access to all NIP and private vaccines. By introducing streamlined digital tools, facilities can immediately identify local vaccination gaps, while governing bodies are supported with live coverage data at the click of a button. From innovative outreach clinics to tailored services for children with sensory needs, her work reflects the evolving role of pharmacists in improving immunisation access for priority population groups.

 

As Vaccination Ambassador, Anna will work alongside PSA to elevate the voice of pharmacist immunisers across the country, driving public confidence and promoting vaccination to more Australians. Stepping into her role, Mrs Theophilos is set to host the dedicated vaccination stream on day two of PSA25.

 

“I’m incredibly honoured to be serving as the inaugural PSA National Vaccination Ambassador, a role that reflects my reflects my deep commitment to improving access to healthcare through immunisation delivery,” said Mrs Theophilos.

 

“My focus has always been on making immunisation easier and more accessible, particularly for those who might otherwise miss out. Whether it’s residents in aged care, children with sensory needs, or homebound individuals, we need systems that meet people where they are – not the other way around.

 

“Pharmacists are one of the most versatile and logical health professionals to lead this work. We are trusted, accessible, and embedded in the communities we serve. I’m excited to work with PSA to champion our profession and help ensure every Australian has the opportunity to stay protected.”

 

PSA sincerely thanks the extraordinary pharmacists who put themselves forward for this opportunity.

 

Support from our partners

 

The PSA Vaccination Ambassador initiative has brought together leading vaccination manufacturers to champion the lifesaving impact of pharmacist immunisation. PSA thanks GSK, Pfizer, CSL Seqirus, and Sanofi for their continued support.

 

Quote attributable to GSK Pharmacy Clinical Services Lead, Maggie Chow: “GSK is proud to support the inaugural PSA Vaccine Ambassador Awards, recognising the exceptional contributions of pharmacy professionals who champion vaccination care in communities across Australia. Congratulations to all nominees and the PSA for showcasing how pharmacists have embraced scope of practice change to enhance public health.”

 

Quote attributable to Pfizer Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Anne Harris: “Pharmacists play a vital role in their communities by delivering essential healthcare services. This initiative will assist in improving vaccination access for all Australians. Pfizer Australia is proud to support PSA’s inaugural Vaccination Ambassador Program, and we congratulate Anna Theophilos for her commitment to enhancing preventative health and keeping Australians healthy.”

 

Quote attributable to CSL Seqirus Medical Director, Vaccines & Biosecurity, Dr Jules Bayliss: “Vaccination is one of the most important public health interventions and pharmacists are playing an increasingly essential role in enabling access, improving uptake and preventing disease. As an Australian company, CSL is proud to be supporting the PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program.”

 

Quote attributable to Sanofi General Manager Vaccines, Australia, New Zealand & South Korea, Mike Zhang: “As a long-standing partner in Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, Sanofi proudly supports the PSA’s inaugural Vaccination Ambassador program. This initiative recognises pharmacists’ vital role in protecting community health and improving vaccination access. We congratulate Anna Theophilos on her outstanding contribution to public health through pharmacy practice.”

 

 

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

Patients win with expanded pharmacist scope of practice in WA

21 July 2025

 

West Australians will soon be able to access a wider range of healthcare services from their local community pharmacist in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will allow pharmacists who undertake additional training to treat a range of conditions, with services expected to start in late 2026.

 

PSA Western Australia President Mr Kristian Ray MPS said that utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists is a great outcome for patients.

 

“PSA commends the WA State Government and Minister Hammat on the announcement of the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, expanding pharmacist scope of practice to deliver better care to West Australians” Mr Ray said.

 

“As medicines experts and highly accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are uniquely placed to improve access to care when and where it’s needed most.

 

“Western Australians can be confident that pharmacists delivering expanded services will undergo specialised training to ensure safe and accessible care.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists PSA is working closely with the WA Government to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the support they need to deliver these services safely and effectively.”

 

A similar pilot providing treatment and care for everyday health conditions such as ear infections, acne, school sores, eczema and mild psoriasis, nausea and vomiting, and contraception – the Queensland Community Pharmacy Pilot – has successfully operated since April 2024, providing more than 1700 safe, accessible services to Queenslanders and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.

 

“We’ve seen the success of similar initiatives in Queensland, where pharmacist-led care has improved access, reduced wait times, and maintained strong patient safety outcomes. WA pharmacists are ready to deliver the same high-quality care to our communities.

 

“We continue to advocate for better utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists in healthcare delivery, ensuring patients can access the right level of care at the right time. This announcement is a significant step in the right direction,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

 

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

Tasmanians to benefit from greater support for pharmacists

17 July 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Tasmanian Labor Party’s commitment to expanding support for pharmacists ahead of this weekend’s state election.

 

Both Tasmanian Labor and the Tasmanian Liberals have committed to improving the community’s access to care by expanding pharmacist scope of practice, supporting community pharmacies to stay open later, and growing access to essential medicines like contraception and vaccines. Tasmanian Labor has also committed to continuing reform on interstate prescription regulations which commenced in the last parliament.

 

PSA Tasmania Vice-President David Peachey MPS said pharmacists are contributing more to Tasmanians health than ever before.

 

“Pharmacists across Tasmania are playing an increasingly important role in providing accessible, timely healthcare to our communities, with these commitments giving us more tools in our toolkits to be able to help,” Mr Peachey said.

 

“Training more pharmacists to deliver expanded scope services like we’re seeing in other parts of the country will not only free up appointments with primary care providers, but will also save Tasmanians time and money when getting the care they need.

 

“PSA looks forward to working with the next Tasmanian government to deliver on these promises and more to improve the health system for all Tasmanians.”

 

 

 

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

SA pharmacists funded to deliver free flu vaccines for children under 5

7 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to fund pharmacist-administered influenza vaccines for children aged six months to under five years – a vital step to improve access and protect more young children from serious illness.

 

Flu is a very serious infection for babies and children under five, and can lead to middle ear infections and croup as well as hospitalisation for associated bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

 

With 78.4% of South Australian children between 6 months and 5 years old are currently unvaccinated against influenza, more needs to be done to improve access to lifesaving childhood vaccinations.

 

Now free flu vaccines for young children are not only available through GPs and local councils, but also through community pharmacists, making it easier and fairer to access protection against influenza.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said the announcement improved equity of access, regardless of where consumers choose to get vaccinated.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible health professionals in the community. This change allows families to choose their local pharmacy without worrying about the cost. Importantly, it means our little ones will be protected against flu and its complications avoiding a doctor visit, hospitalisation, missing childcare or kindy, or their parent/carer needing to take time off work to care for them” Dr Manya Angley FPS said.

 

“Acknowledging the great work already done by GPs and Local Councils in vaccinating young children, the inclusion of community pharmacists will further boost flu vaccination rates in this vulnerable age group.”

 

“It is further recognition by the Government of the role of pharmacists in delivering convenient, timely, affordable care and removes financial barriers for families seeking protection for their children.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the SA Government to boost vaccination rates through pharmacists,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

All South Australian pharmacists are urged to ensure they are ready to deliver vaccination for children under five, reaffirming competence with the PSA Immunisation Refresher.

 

 

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

PSA Board commences 2025-26 term

1 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the re-election of Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS as National President for a fourth and final term. The PSA Board unanimously endorsed A/Prof Sim’s continued leadership, recognising her unwavering commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession across Australia.

 

Canberra academic leader and credentialed pharmacist Mark Naunton MPS CredPharm (MMR, ACOP) and Sydney proprietor and community pharmacist Caroline Diamantis FPS are both returned as National Vice Presidents, while Brooke Shelly FPS CredPharm (MMR) joins as Victorian Branch Committee-appointed Director.

 

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be re-elected to lead PSA and the profession I’m so proud to be part of,” said Associate Professor Sim.

 

“I thank the PSA Board for their confidence in me and extend my heartfelt gratitude to every PSA member for your continued support. It is a privilege to lead the organisation that represents our beloved profession.

 

“On behalf of the Board I recognise and thank Dr Amy Page for her service to the Board over the last 12 months and welcome Brooke Shelly for the upcoming term.

 

“Everything we do at PSA is in service of our members and in pursuit of a single purpose: to support pharmacists to deliver safe, effective, person-centred care,” she said.

 

As she enters her final term, A/Prof Sim has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening PSA’s governance and leadership capacity, with a focus on facilitating a seamless leadership transition during the final term while continuing to serve on the Board.

 

“Over the coming months we are continuing to build PSA Board’s capability and ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader when the time comes. We have a strong, dedicated and talented Board, and I am confident in our collective ability to continue delivering for our members and our profession,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

 

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

“Time for action”: Australia’s CDC backs pharmacists full scope vaccination

13 June 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) renews its calls for national harmonisation of pharmacist immunisers scope, echoing recommendations made in the National Immunisation Strategy 2025-2030 released on Thursday.

 

Vaccination authorities are regulated by states and territories, many of whom have expanded pharmacist vaccination scope to varying degrees. The result, however, is a health system that limits access to lifesaving vaccines.

 

As the peak professional body for pharmacists, PSA believes pharmacist immunisers should no longer be subject to arbitrary red tape that prevents them from delivering certain vaccines.

 

Instead, PSA has long advocated for all states and territories to allow pharmacist immunisers to administer all vaccines, to patients of all ages.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said a nationally consistent approach to regulating vaccination is a critical step to improving uptake within the community.

 

“There should be no wrong door when it comes to vaccination,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute.

 

“Now is the time for all stakeholders – state governments, federal government, peak bodies, vaccine providers and Australian patients – to come together and make the changes needed to ensure all Australians have equal access to preventative health care.

 

“PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action.”

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“Regardless of where someone lives, whether in metropolitan or remote Australia, whether in New South Wales or Western Australia, everyone should be able to go to any vaccination provider and receive the vaccines they need.”

 

PSA also supports all other recommendations of the National Immunisation Strategy and congratulates the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control​ for the development of such a robust vision for vaccination in Australia. We welcome the focus on improved transparency and use of data, workforce development and drive greater equity in design of vaccination programs.

 

PSA is committed to working with government as a partner in its implementation.

 

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

Become the voice of pharmacist immunisers with the Vaccination Ambassador program

13 June 2025

 

Today the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) launches its campaign to find the face of its first pharmacist Vaccination Ambassador program.

 

This new initiative will see the appointment of a passionate pharmacist as PSA Vaccination Ambassador, serving as the national voice of pharmacist immunisers and championing the profession’s role in vaccination through media, engagement and advocacy.

 

The Ambassador will receive training and ongoing support from PSA to represent the profession in public forums, advocate for expanded pharmacist vaccination scope, and promote vaccine uptake among Australians.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS called on passionate pharmacist immunisers to step forward for an opportunity to have a national impact.

 

“More Australians are accessing vaccinations through their local community pharmacist than ever before, but there is always more we can do to drive the national conversation on immunisation,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We can’t wait to help someone share their passion and drive for immunisation, to inspire and be an ambassador for our profession.”

 

In addition to PSA support, the successful applicant will receive media training, speaking opportunities, and support to attend PSA25 through the program.

 

“We’re excited to be working with GSK and Pfizer to empower our Vaccination Ambassador with specialised media training and national speaking engagements – all part of advocating for the profession at the highest levels.

 

“If you’re an advocate for the profession and committed to improving public health outcomes through accessible, evidence-based care, I encourage you to put yourself forward to be our inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Applications for the PSA Vaccination Ambassador program are open now and will close on 30 June 2025. Interested pharmacists are invited to submit their video applications via the online form.
Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au