fbpx

Blog

Contact Us

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

Share this page

Access to RSV vaccine critical to its efficacy

19 January 2024

 

Following the welcome approval of a new vaccine to protect older Australians against the highly infectious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging governments to ensure its accessibility for those most at risk.

​

This week the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved AREXVY for Australians aged 60 and over, the first RSV vaccine approved in Australia.

​

PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim FPS said that allowing pharmacists to administer the vaccine would significantly improve its uptake and in turn, reduce hospitalisations from severe infections.

​

“Having a vaccine on the market is not enough, we need to ensure that it’s as accessible as possible to those who need it most,” A/Prof Sim said.

​

“Pharmacist immunisers are limited by red-tape and regulation imposed by states and territories, preventing them from fulfilling their potential to administer all vaccines to all at-risk Australians.

​

“Millions of Australians attend pharmacies for their vaccinations, with more than 15 million COVID-19 and influenza vaccines administered by pharmacists over the last few years.

​

“By making vaccinations more accessible to vulnerable groups, we can limit the serious health complications RSV can cause and in turn reduce hospitalisations.

​

“Allowing pharmacists to practise to the top of their scope makes efficient use of health resources, benefitting the broader health system.

​

“I urge all state and territory governments to authorise pharmacists to provide the RSV vaccine, supporting access to preventive care and keeping older Australians healthy and well.

​

“This access should extend to all vaccines, for all eligible people, in all locations where pharmacists work.

​

“Reducing barriers to vaccination, reducing barriers to care, should always be our priority,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

​

AREXVY will soon be made available nationally, on private prescription.

​

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Tasmanian pharmacists to support palliative care at home

18 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has partnered with the Tasmanian Government to help support palliative care patients stay at home and receive the care and medicines they need in a comfortable, familiar environment.

​

Announced by Health Minister Guy Barnett MP in Launceston today, the program supports community pharmacies across Tasmania to continuously stock essential palliative care medicines, ensuring these are available to patients across the state when needed.

​

PSA will deliver training in the provision of essential palliative care medicines for pharmacists and GPs as part of the program, ensuring the safe and quality use of medicines thanks to funding from the Tasmanian Department of Health.

​

PSA Tasmanian President David Peachey MPS said the joint approach demonstrated a commitment to improving palliative care for all Tasmanians.

​

“PSA is proud to be a part of this innovative program to improve services and support for palliative care patients within our community,” Mr Peachey said.

​

“Timely access to medicines to manage end of life symptoms is essential to a quality end of life journey for patients and their families. Palliative medications are needed within hours, not days, which is why it is so important that they are easily accessible within the community.

​

“Having more Tasmanian pharmacists educated and trained to supply palliative medicines means that we can make their safe and quality use more accessible to more people at the end of their lives,” Mr Peachey concluded.

​

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS also welcomed the move, pointing to the growing role of pharmacists in palliative care following nation-wide consultation on the upcoming palliative care foundation training program.

​

“Upskilling local pharmacists in palliative care will increase the capacity of community palliative care teams, community pharmacists, and general practitioners to provide care to patients at the end of life,” she said.

​

“Pharmacists will increase collaboration and coordination of local palliative care services, reducing unnecessary hospital presentations.

​

“We look forward to evolving the support for pharmacists within the palliative care team as part of the ComPPaCT initiative,” Dr Sim concluded.

​

The pharmacist palliative care foundation training program will be available to all Australian registered pharmacists. More information and instruction on how to enrol will be communicated to PSA members in 2024.

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Victorian floods highlight urgent need for permanent continued dispensing

10 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to expand continued dispensing measures in response to widespread flooding in Central Victoria.

​

The introduction of Public Health Emergency Order 25 today aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination made in December 2023, and expands access to more than 750 PBS-listed molecules for people in emergencies who cannot access their prescription or get in touch with their regular prescriber. The Order is set to expire in February.

​

PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS welcomed the Emergency Order, saying that it allowed pharmacists to continue supporting patients with their health.

​

“Continued dispensing plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of care for patients, particularly in natural disasters where people can be separated from their medicines. We know that this only becoming more common with the effects of climate change.

​

“The temporary expansion of continued dispensing is vital in ensuring that Victorians can access their essential medications without unnecessary delays or interruptions during the current floods.

​

“We cannot wait for natural disasters to happen before we put measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities. Making continued dispensing arrangements permanent for all medicines, for example, would allow pharmacists to take a proactive role in the post-disaster health of their communities.

​

“I urge anyone who cannot access their medication for whatever reason to speak to their local pharmacist. We are here to help,” Dr Page concluded.

​

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS again urged the Federal Government to work with state and territory governments to permanently protect emergency access to medicines.

​

“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder access to them,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our nation’s fragmented approach is affecting the care we can provide patients, preventing continued access to essential medicines and disrupting care when people are already vulnerable to further illness.

 

“PSA firmly believes that all PBS General Schedule medicines should be permanently included in continued dispensing arrangements to avoid delays in emergency situations.

 

“I urge all state and territory leaders to implement permanent continued dispensing measures, giving all Australians equal access to the medicines they need in an emergency,” Dr Sim concluded.

​

​

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

​

Share this page
Share this page

Pharmacists relieved at reinstatement of expanded continued dispensing, but again call for it to be permanent

22 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure Determination issued by the Federal Government yesterday, supporting Australians affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

​

The new determination allows pharmacists to provide patients with up to one month’s supply of 755 different Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines (up from 150 medicines) if they are unable to access their prescription or prescriber in an emergency situation. The determination takes immediate effect.

​

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS welcomed the move but again urged the Federal Government to make it a permanent.

​

“While this decision is welcome relief for patients and pharmacists in disaster affected areas, PSA has long advocated for the permanent expansion of continued dispensing nation-wide,” Dr Sim said.

​

“Every time there is a disaster, the government extends or reinstates this measure. However, this always takes a few days, and leaves patients without access to their medicines when they need them most. It is time to make it permanent.

​

“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder it. It makes no sense these measures expire after each natural disaster passes.

​

“With the effects of climate change making natural disasters harsher and more frequent, we know that these threats will continue.

​

“Not all emergences are natural disasters. Whether it be bereavement, domestic violence, house fire or car crash, the sad reality is that people are suddenly separated from their medicine in other emergencies.

​

“Permanently expanding the medicines covered by continued dispensing arrangements is necessary to give Australians peace-of-mind that no matter what, they will always be able to access to the medicines they need,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

This measure was also recommended as part of PSA’s 2023-24 Federal Budget Submission. Find the full submission here.

Share this page
Share this page

SA announces expanded vaccinations ahead of 1 Jan

22 December 2023

 

The South Australian Government have today announced expanded scope of pharmacist immunisers, allowing the administration of vaccines from 5 years of age as per both the South Australian and National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedules This means from 1 January 2024, eligible patients can receive all vaccines on the NIP schedule in pharmacies free of charge.

​

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the move.

​

“Improving access to  and removing cost barriers to receiving NIP vaccines in community pharmacies is a big win for South Australians,” Dr Angley said.

​

“As a state our focus should be on removing barriers to vaccination, cutting the red tape that prevents qualified pharmacist immunisers from delivering more vaccines to more people while easing pressure on GPs.

​

“For pharmacists this is not only an opportunity to provide more vaccination services but also to drive public health messaging, encouraging vaccine uptake particularly in vulnerable cohorts.

​

“Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need.

 

“I am proud to see years of PSA’s advocacy has led to real outcomes not only for the pharmacists who will be able to play a greater role in delivering vaccines, but for our communities who will be able to access eligible vaccines closer to home, at their convenience.

​

“We look forward to continuing to work with SA Health and the SA Government to ensure that all South Australians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” Dr Angley concluded.

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Victoria’s outstanding pharmacists recognised

20 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Victorian Annual Excellence Awards, presented to pharmacists who are making outstanding contributions to the pharmacist profession and the health of their communities.

​

Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Joshua Cooper MPS, Priceline Pharmacy Maryborough

​

Undertaking his intern year in the regional centre of Maryborough, Victoria, Joshua Cooper has become an integral part of the pharmacy team. Joshua quickly learnt just how valuable rural pharmacists are to their communities, with people travelling hours for health advice.

​

Engaging with the community via social media, in-store activations and through local sporting groups, Joshua is raising awareness of the services that pharmacists offer but patients don’t know they can access. Joshua has taken to driving pharmacy services including MedsChecks, Diabetes MedsChecks and DAAs, as well as minor ailment and triage interactions with patients, going above and beyond the role of an intern pharmacist.

 

Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Emily Griffin MPS

​

Driven by her deep-rooted passion for health care, Early Career Pharmacist Emily Griffin has already cemented her place amongst Victoria’s most influential pharmacists.

​

Ms Griffin co-built and developed the Australian-first Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Statewide Pharmacy Service in Victoria, leading to the successful implementation of the service in 2019. She is a co-author on various guidelines and processes in this area, also developing a Pharmacist Credentialing Program to ensure consistent education and training of pharmacists across the country and consequently, a cohesive service across Australia.

​

Emily is currently practising as a Senior Pharmacist in the Complex Care Service at a St Vincent’s Hospital, a Lecturer within the rural health school at Monash University, a Teaching Associate within the Master of Clinical Pharmacy at Monash University, and as a credentialed consultant pharmacist.

 

Victorian Pharmacist Medal – Natalie Kopas MPS

​

The Pharmacist Medal recognises the quiet achievement of Natalie Kopas, an independent community pharmacist in Bentleigh, Victoria. Ms Kopas lives and breathes the values and passion of pharmacy in everything she does, from the pharmacy to home visits with patients.

​

Ms Kopas is a cornerstone of her community, hosting community events at the pharmacy including her annual Christmas event bringing together all at her own expense.

​

Tucker Road Pharmacy is a true family owned and operated business, with the entire family being around the pharmacy from bookkeeping to home deliveries. Ms Kopas is known to work extended hours to ensure her community has access to the care and advice they need and is often the first point of call for her patients.

​

Ms Kopas is awarded the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for 2023, recognising her lifelong commitment to quality pharmacy practice and dedication to serving her community.

 

Pharmacist of the Year – Professor Simon Bell MPS

​

Victorian Pharmacist of the Year Professor Simon Bell FPS is leading the way for advanced practice pharmacists around Australia and the world. In his role as Professor and Director of Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Professor Bell is pioneering the role of pharmacists in residential aged care.

Professor Bell is the Clinical Chair of Australia’s new Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care. He led an 18-member multidisciplinary expert group in the development of the Guideline and coordinated a wide range of stakeholder engagement and public consultation. He has developed a series of supplementary material to support the implementation of the Guideline into practice including a Guideline summary, 1-page fact sheets, a Consumer Companion Guide and QUM education sessions for pharmacists to deliver in aged care. The Guideline is also currently being translated into 5 different languages. This Guideline was developed in direct response to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

​

Professor Bell is also the Chief Investigator of two Medical Research Future Fund projects evaluating novel roles for pharmacists in residential aged care to support guideline translation and improve medication management. One of these projects, the EMBRACE project, currently involves on-site aged care pharmacists working at four aged care provider organisations across Australia to lead the implementation of the new Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care. The second project, MEGA-MAC, is evaluating new roles for pharmacists working with Medication Advisory Committees to drive improvements in medication management. These studies are building new evidence for the system-level benefits a pharmacist can have in aged care and will directly inform the national roll-out of Onsite Aged Care Pharmacists in Australia.

 

 

Lifetime Achievement Award – Associate Professor Louis Roller FPS

​

Throughout a career spanning over 60 years, Honorary Associate Professor Louis Roller FPS has made sustained and significant contributions to the pharmacy profession, including in longstanding academic and leadership positions.

​

Until his retirement in 2008, Assoc. Prof. Roller was the Director of the Bachelor Pharmacy Program at Monash University, where he was a significant contributor to the development of the new integrated BPharm program, which commenced in 2009. He has taught in all areas of the pharmacy course over his long career including such diverse subjects as chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, psychology, pharmaceutical microbiology and pharmacy practice.

​

In fact, Assoc. Prof. Roller has been directly involved in the education and training of more than 5000 pharmacists, imparting the principles of ethics, honesty, and compassion for patients onto all of his students.

​

Throughout his career Assoc. Prof. Roller has also authored of hundreds of scientific and professional articles and a number of book chapters across practice areas. He has served on the Pharmacy Board of Victoria for 22 years (1984-2005) and during that time chaired the Inspectorial (discipline) committee for 10 years and subsequently, the Education Committee (5 years). He continues as a Board examiner for the registration exams.

​

Assoc. Prof. Roller has served on the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (Vic Branch) Continuing Education Committee for over 42 years, also running PSA’s New Drugs Course annually for over 20 years. Assoc. Prof. Roller has also served as a longstanding member of the PSA Victorian branch committee, retiring at the end of 2022.

 

PSA Victorian President Dr Amy Page FPS congratulated the award winners, recognising their commitment to pharmacy practice.

​

“Each and every pharmacist recognised last night has made a significant contribution to the profession over the last year and throughout their careers and I congratulate them all on this worthy recognition.

​

“Congratulations to the award winners and nominees for your commitment to the health of all Victorians.”

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Statement on resignation of Natasha Fyles

19 December 2023

 

Quotes attributable to Dr Manya Angley FPS, PSA Northern Territory and South Australia President

​

On behalf of pharmacists across the Northern Territory, I thank outgoing Natasha Fyles MLA for her service and leadership over her time as Chief Minister and Minister for Health.

​

Ms Fyles, alongside then  Chief Minister Michael Gunner, led the Northern Territory through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued to support the health sector through its lasting impacts.

​

Under Ms Fyles’ leadership, NT Health introduced Real Time Prescription Monitoring, reducing the risk of dose escalation, dependence and overdose of controlled and high-risk medicines.

​

In 2022, the Fyles Government passed legislation to address legislative barriers to the supply and regulation of scheduled substances, reflecting modern practice. This has provided pharmacists with more agility to meet the health care needs of Territorians, especially those living in regional and remote areas.

​

Just recently we have also seen the expansion of pharmacist-administered vaccines in the Northern Territory in line with other jurisdictions, unlocking the full potential of our immunisation workforce and allowing outreach clinics to offer targeted health promotion.

​

Each of these measures has had a real impact on the health and wellbeing of communities throughout the Northern Territory, and will continue to do so into the future.

​

I look forward to working with the next Health Minister and the broader Northern Territory parliament to ensure that pharmacists are able to practise at their full and top of scope, providing accessible and timely health care to Territorians.

​

​

​

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

​

Share this page
Share this page

NT Pharmacists to administer more vaccines to more Territorians

19 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Northern Territory Government’s move to cut unnecessary red tape and allow qualified pharmacist-immunisers to administer a wider range of vaccines from early next year.

​

From 1 January 2024, pharmacist-immunisers will be authorised to administer all vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule, including as private vaccines to those who are not eligible for NIP funding, for consumers aged five years and older.

​

The update also authorises pharmacists to administer vaccines outside of community pharmacy settings, opening the door for pharmacist-led vaccination outreach clinics across the Territory.

​

PSA Northern Territory and South Australia President Dr Manya Angley FPS said that these changes send the right message to the community.

​

“Maintaining immunisation is a lifelong commitment and pharmacists are accessible and trusted health practitioners in communities throughout the Northern Territory,” Dr Angley said.

​

“There should be no wrong door when a patient is seeking a vaccine, whether from their local GP or pharmacist.

​

“Allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines in a range of settings also unlocks the full potential of our immunisation workforce, allowing outreach clinics to offer targeted health promotions.

​

“I am proud to see years of PSA’s advocacy has led to real outcomes not only for the pharmacists who will be able to play a greater role in delivering vaccines, but for our communities who will be able to access eligible vaccines closer to home, at their convenience.

​

“We look forward to continuing to work with NT Health and the NT Government to ensure that all Territorians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” Dr Angley concluded.

​

Ahead of the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacies expansion on 1 January 2024, PSA has released a comprehensive and updated immunisation course for pharmacists with renewed clinical content, interactive videos and revised layout.

​

The updated PSA immunisation training program is available to all pharmacists here.

​

PSA members can now enrol in immunisation refresher course for free here.

​

​

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Help shape the pharmacy workforce of the future – PAMELA Workforce survey open now

18 December 2023

 

The Pharmacy in Australia: Measuring Employment, Labour decisions and Activity (PAMELA) pharmacist workforce survey has been launched this week by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), with support from The University of Queensland.

​

The survey captures current and future dynamics of the Australian Pharmacy Workforce, including trends in job history, income, career plan, professional commitment, and job satisfaction to help foster a better understanding of workforce decisions.

​

In launching the survey, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS encourages all pharmacists, at all career stages and across practice areas, to complete the PAMELA survey.

​

“Decisions around work patterns are complex, and take into account pay and conditions, but also family and personal circumstances, location and professional roles,” Dr Sim said.

​

“The results of the PAMELA project will help the sector better understand what is motivating pharmacists to make their work decisions, and how policy change can enhance job satisfaction and promote work-life balance across the profession.

​

“PSA consistently advocates for a national approach to health workforce planning, including measuring trends and the impact of the pharmacist workforce on health outcomes, to support workforce capacity into the future.

​

“Ensuring that we can continue to meet the future healthcare needs of our ageing population requires understanding our workforce now, so that we appropriately plan for the future.

​

Professor Lisa Nissen FPS, part of the University of Queensland’s research team supporting the PAMELA project, said that pharmacy schools are also supporting the survey by alerting alumni to the survey.

​

“Anyone with a pharmacy degree, even if they are not registered or practising, is invited to participate so that we can better understand why some people choose to leave the profession,” Prof. Nissen said.

​

“It is just as essential to know why people leave the profession for other opportunities or careers, as why they stay.

​

“Pharmacy schools are training the pharmacists of the future – we need to better understand workforce trends in order to adapt our curriculum to be relevant to the changing practice of pharmacy.”

​

​The PAMELA survey can be accessed here.

​

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

Share this page
Share this page

Vaccination Webinar Series

PSA vaccination webinar series 2024

Throughout the unprecedented health challenges faced on a global scale in recent years, pharmacists have been increasingly recognised as essential frontline healthcare providers, playing an essential role in safeguarding public health. Starting in January 2024, the expansion of National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccine delivery by pharmacists will increase their role in vaccine uptake and accessibility in Australia. To further equip and empower pharmacists with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their expansion of vaccination scope of practice, PSA will deliver a series of vaccination webinars.

 

1. National Immunisation Program (NIP) – 31 January 2024, 7.30pm – 8.30pm AEDT

WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR

2. Shingles – 21 February 2024, 7.00pm – 8.30pm AEDT.

WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR

3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus – 20 March 2024, 7.30pm – 8.30pm AEDT

WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR

4. Influenza – 17 April 2024, 7.30pm – 8.30pm AEST – webinar registration details coming soon

ENROL NOW

5. Childhood vaccination (date & time to be confirmed) – webinar registration details coming soon

6. Pneumococcal disease (date & time to be confirmed) – webinar registration details coming soon

 

Thank you to our participating partners

 

GSK-Seqirus-Sanofi logos image

Share this page

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

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.

© 2024 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.