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COVID-19 vaccine information for pharmacists

This information was last updated 20 December 2022

 

On this page:

Top resources for pharmacists
Consent forms

Australian Government consent form for administration of COVID-19 vaccines

Vaccine eligibility checker
ATAGI 3rd dose advice
ATAGI 'winter' dose advice

Helps people find out when they can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if eligible or register interest

Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of:

  • a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised (October 2021)
  • ‘winter dose’ in people >65 years age and medically vulnerable (March 2022)
Poster: ATAGI COVID-19 recommended doses and vaccines

Poster displaying recommended vaccine regimen and doses, categorised by age groups and special populations (25 March 2022)

ATAGI advice for people with history of blood clots

A joint statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) on Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) and use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (23 May 2021)

AZ vaccine risk-benefit resource

Resource to help consider potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This includes age-specific comparisons of risk of avoided ICU admissions and rare blood clots.

Translated COVID-19 Vaccine resources

Information about COVID-19 vaccines has been translated into over 60 languages. Help your patients access information in their language.

Advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women

ATAGI advice for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy (June 2021)

Booster dose advice

Information about COVID-19 vaccines approved as booster doses, and patient eligibility  from the Australian Government Department of Health

Specialist Immunisation Services

Links for specialist information services for every state/territory. These services provide specialised immunisation advice and care to clinicians and families. These services have specialised nursing and medical staff to provide clinical advice on immunisation for patients with complex or unusual medical backgrounds or who have had an adverse event following immunisation.

ATAGI vaccine error guidance

ATAGI Clinical Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Errors provides advice on management of a range of possible vaccine administration errors, including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended. Note: All errors must be reported as an adverse event, even if no adverse event has occurred. (March 2022)

COVID-19 vaccine regulatory requirements

This table describes the current regulatory requirements for pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccines in your jurisdiction. This information is a guide and should not be used as a substitute or replacement for review of regulation and legislative instruments.

All pharmacists vaccinators administering COVID-19 vaccines must complete the relevant modules of the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine training program. Administrative or non-clinical staff can also enrol to access the non-clinical modules, including handling, storage and administration.

ACT

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators authorised to administer
  • A vaccine for COVID-19 included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer the following:

  • AstraZeneca: 18 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Pfizer (purple/grey cap): 12 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Pfizer 5-11 years (orange cap): 5 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Novavax: 18 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Moderna: 6 years (reason: TGA approval)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes
  • Hospitals: Yes
  • ACCHOs: Yes
  • Other: Yes
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Yes
Limitations
  • The covid19 (chadox1-s) (AstraZeneca) vaccine must be administered in accordance with ATAGI clinical guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in Australia as it relates to patient age.
Authority expires
  • Nil expiry
Additional requirements
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 2 March 2022

NSW

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators authorised to administer
  • Vaxzevria (ChAdOx1-S) COVID-19 vaccine (‘AstraZeneca vaccine’)
  • Comirnaty (BNT162b2 ) COVID-19 vaccine (‘Pfizer vaccine’)
  • Spikevax (elasomeran) COVID-19 vaccine (‘Moderna vaccine’)
  • Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine (‘Novavax vaccine’)
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer:

  • AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria): 18 years (reason: NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards)
  • Pfizer (Comirnaty) (purple/grey cap): 12 years (reason: NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards)
  • Moderna (Spikevax): 6 years (reason: NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards)
  • Pfizer 5-11 years (orange cap): 5 years (reason: NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards)
  • Novavax (Nuvaxovid): 18 years (reason: NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacies approved under Schedule 5F of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW)*
  • Residential care facility
  • General Practice clinic*
  • Aboriginal Medical Services*
  • A person’s home
  • Public, private or independent schools
  • NSW Health facilities**
  • Staff Occupational Health Clinic (clinics held in the workplace to vaccinate staff)

* Must be registered to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program

** NSW Health directives apply to regulations for pharmacists vaccinating within NSW Health facilities, such as vaccination hubs and hospitals.
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Yes, an intern pharmacist who holds a certificate confirming competency to vaccinate (including mandatory COVID-19 training) can administer specified vaccines under direct supervision of a pharmacist immuniser who holds certification to vaccinate for the relevant vaccine
Limitations
  • Minimum age limitations contained in vaccination standards – see above.
  • Where a person cannot consent themselves (e.g. a child or an adult under the care of a parent/guardian), the
    pharmacist immuniser must ensure that the consenting person has the authority to consent for the individual.
  • COVID-19 vaccine must not be administered to any individual with a contraindication or precaution to vaccine (per ATAGI, Australian Immunisation Handbook or TGA). These individuals must be referred to their medical practitioner for review. Exception: People on anti-coagulation therapy.
  • Novavax vaccine can only be administered to a pregnant woman with a written request from a medical practitioner
  • AstraZeneca and Novavax vaccine can only be administered to individuals aged 18 years and over as a booster dose, with a written request from a medical practitioner.
Authority expires
  • Nil expiry
Additional requirements
  • COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine can only be administered after obtaining fully informed consent. Informed consent requires discussion of the risks and benefits of vaccination using the latest information and advice from ATAGI and the TGA.
  • The Australian Immunisation Register must be checked prior to administering a vaccine
  • Written (or other electronic evidence of) consent must be obtained for all COVID-19 vaccines
  • The Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination – Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination must be used in obtaining consent.

 

Additional requirements specifically apply to Pfizer’s vaccines:

  • Pharmacist must store the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine 5 to <12 years of age formulation (orange cap) separate to the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine 12 years of age and over formulation (purple cap)
  • If the two formulations are stored in the same fridge/freezer, they must be stored in separate areas, clearly labelled
  • The two formulations must never be held in the same preparation or vaccination area at the same time including when drawing up
  • The Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine 12 years of age and over formulation (purple cap) must never be used in the 5 to < 12 years of age cohort.
  • Pharmacist must ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to the deltoid muscle in children aged 5 to < 12 years, and refer to the general practitioner if there are concerns identifying the deltoid muscle
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 16 March 2021

NT

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators  authorised to administer
  • Per relevant COVID-19 vaccine protocols (CVAPs)
Minimum patient age Pharmacists may legally administer:

  • AstraZeneca: 18 years (reason: CVAP)
  • Pfizer: 12 years (reason: CVAP)
  • Pfizer 5-11 years orange cap: 5 years (reason: CVAP)
  • Moderna: 12 years (reason: CVAP)
  • Novavax: 18 years (reasons: CVAP)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes
  • Hospitals: Yes
  • ACCHOs: Yes
  • Other: Yes
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • No
Limitations Must comply with relevant COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Protocol (CVAP), including:

AstraZeneca CVAP does not allow first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to be administered to persons under 60 years age.

Check CVAP for limitations on booster doses.
Authority expires
  •  Nil expiry
Additional requirements
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 2 March 2022

QLD

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators authorised to administer
  • Any TGA registered COVID-19 vaccine
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer to the following:

  • Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca): 18 years (reason: Emergency order)
  • Comirnaty (Pfizer) (purple/grey cap): 12 years (reason: Emergency order)
  • Pfizer 5-11 yrs (orange cap): 5 years (reason: Emergency order)
  • Spikevax (Moderna): 6 years (reason: Emergency order)
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax): 18 years (reason: Emergency order)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes
  • Hospitals: Yes
  • ACCHOs: Yes
  • Other: Yes
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Yes
Limitations
  • Limitations in the product information or as determined by the TGA approval for the vaccines apply
Authority expires
Additional requirements Nil
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 2 March 2022

SA

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators  authorised to administer
  • Any TGA registered COVID-19 vaccine
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer to the following:

  • AstraZeneca: 18 years (reason: PI)
  • Pfizer (grey/purple cap): 12 years (reason: PI)
  • Pfizer 5-11 yrs (orange cap): 5 years (reason: PI)
  • Moderna: 6 years (reason: PI)
  • Novavax: 18 years (reason: PI)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes
  • Hospitals: Yes
  • ACCHOs: Yes
  • Other: Yes
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Yes
Limitations
Authority expires
  • Nil expiry
Additional requirements
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 23 February 2022

TAS

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators authorised to administer
  • Any TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine (State Government Vaccination Clinic only)
  • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna’s Spikevax (community pharmacy)
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer to the following:

  • AstraZeneca (community pharmacy): 18 years (reason: PI)
  • Moderna (community pharmacy): 6 years (reason: Tasmanian Immunisation Program Guidelines)
  • Pfizer (community pharmacy): 12 years (Primary Course), 18 years (booster) (reason: Tasmanian Immunisation Program Guidelines)
  • Pfizer 5-11 years (ORANGE CAP) (community pharmacy): 5 years (reason: Tasmanian Immunisation Program Guidelines)
  • Novavax (community pharmacy): 18 years (reason: PI)
  • AstraZeneca (government hub): 18 years (reason: PI)
  • Pfizer (government clinic): 12 years (reason: PI)
  • Pfizer 5-11 years (ORANGE CAP) (government clinic): 5 years (reason: PI)
  • Moderna (government clinic): 6 years (reason: PI)

 

Pharmacists in a Tasmanian community pharmacy must be specifically approved to administer vaccines to people under the age of 12 years.
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes, including off-site vaccination (subject to additional rules)
  • General Practice: No
  • Hospitals: No
  • State Government vaccination clinics: Yes
  • ACCHOs: No
  • Other: No
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Intern Pharmacists may administer COVID-19 vaccines under the supervision of an authorised pharmacist immuniser if they hold a Statement of Attainment from the Tasmanian PSA or Pharmacy Guild and have completed their Practicum (Tasmanian Immunisation Program Guidelines).
Limitations
  • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can only be administered by a pharmacists in a community pharmacy to people <60 years after informed consent provided in consultation with their GP.
  • Spikevax (Moderna) is approved as a booster for people >18 years.
  • Comirnaty (Pfizer) can only be administered as a booster by a community pharmacist to people aged >16 years who received their second dose >3 months ago.
  • People with contraindications or precautions to the COVID-19 vaccines excluded – must be referred to their GP or specialist
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax) can be used as a booster in those aged 18 years and above if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable.
  • The Department of Health notes Novovax has been introduced at a stage of the roll-out when >99% of Tasmanians over the age of 18 years have received a COVID-19 vaccine. As such, the Department reminds pharmacists that it is particularly important to check the AIR and verify immunisation history with the individual prior to administering the first dose of Novavax to avoid administration errors.
Authority expires
  • N/A
Additional requirements
  • There is a separate application process with the Tasmanian Department of Health for expansion of existing premises vaccination scope to include each COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies outlined in ‘Community Pharmacy Provision of COVID–19 Vaccine in Tasmania 2021 Guidelines and Application Process’.
  • There is a separate application process with the Tasnmanian Department of Health for expansion of existing COVID-19 vaccinator scope to include children under the age of 12 years.
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 25 March 2022

VIC

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators authorised to administer
  • Any TGA registered COVID-19 vaccine
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer the following:

  • AstraZeneca: 18 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Pfizer (grey/purple cap): 12 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Pfizer 5-11 yrs (orange cap): 5 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Moderna: 6 years (reason: TGA approval)
  • Novavax: 18 years (reason: TGA approval)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes
  • Hospitals: Yes
  • ACCHOs: yes, on written order of prescriber
  • Other: Mobile outreach of a hospital, pharmacy or pharmacy depot; premises established my a municipal council, Victorian Government, Government of Australia or agency funded be the Department of Health (Vic)
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • No
Limitations Where pharmacists are administering COVID-19 vaccines in a service listed in 5(b) of the Secretary Approval, a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner must be ‘available to provide advice to the pharmacist on the use of the COVID-19 vaccine if needed’

These services include where pharmacist is employed or contracted by:

  • (i) a medical practitioner; or
  • (ii) a municipal council that employs, contracts or ensures access to a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner; or
  • (iii) a health services permit holder who employs, contracts or ensures access to a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner; or
  • (iv) a health service authorised by the Victorian Government under a Public Health Emergency Order to obtain, possess, use and/or supply the COVID-19 VACCINE that employs, contracts or ensures access to a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner; or
  • (v) an agency funded by the Victorian Government or the Government of Australia that employs, contracts or ensures access to a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner.

Pharmacists cannot administer COVID-19 vaccines to a person where they have contraindications described in the Approved Product Information or Australian Immunisation Handbook for that vaccine.
Authority expires
  • May 2022
Additional requirements Must adhere to:
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  • 23 February 2022

WA

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COVID-19 vaccines pharmacist vaccinators  authorised to administer
  • TGA registered COVID-19 vaccines
People able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine administered by a pharmacist Pharmacists may legally administer the following:

  • AstraZeneca: 18 years (reason: National roll-out plan per SASA)
  • Pfizer (purple cap): 12 years (reason: National roll-out plan per SASA)
  • Pfizer 5-11 yrs (orange cap): 5 years (reason: National roll-out plan per SASA)
  • Moderna: 6 years (reason: National roll-out plan per SASA)
  • Novavax: 18 years (reason: National roll-out plan per SASA)
Locations pharmacist vaccinators able to administer COVID-19 vaccines
  • Community pharmacy: Yes
  • General Practice: Yes, on written order of medical prescriber
  • Public hospitals: Yes
  • Vaccination Hubs: Yes
  • ACCHOs: No
Are intern pharmacists permitted to administer vaccines?
  • Yes
Limitations
Authority expires
Additional requirements
  • Adverse events following immunisation must be notified to WAVSS
Legislative instruments: pharmacist vaccination
Legislative instrument(s): COVID-19 vaccination
Additional resources
Last updated
  •  23 February 2022
Pharmacists: COVID-19 vaccination requirements for occupational settings

In late 2021, AHPPC recommended mandatory vaccinations for all workers in health care settings as a condition of work.  State and territory governments have announced a range of COVID-19 vaccine requirements which affect workplaces where pharmacists work, implementing this agreed AHPPC recommendation.

 

Most jurisdictions have rolled-back or removed occupational vaccination requirements for health workers working outside of public health facilities. Employers are generally able to apply vaccination policies their workforce. Some public health services have mandatory vaccination policies or regulation for their workforce.

Member enquiries

PSA will continue to provide updates as we receive information. To speak with one of our team, including the member-only Pharmacist-to-Pharmacist advice line, please call PSA on 1300 369 772 or send us an email.

 

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.

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