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.

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

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

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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