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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.

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

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PSA applauds Northern Territory’s expansion of pharmacist authority to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines

3 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the Northern Territory Government for its decision to further expand the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccination.

 

Effective immediately, pharmacists in the Territory are authorised to prescribe and administer a wider range of vaccines, including private market vaccines such as shingles and whooping cough vaccines when not covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

 

Additionally, from today, NT pharmacists can also administer the Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine (RSV) at no cost to patients through the NIP during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks’ gestation.

 

PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS lauded the initiative, stating, “This development is a significant advancement in public health, enhancing access to essential vaccines for Territorians.

 

“The current measles alert in the NT is a timely reminder of the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccination and catching up on missed doses,” she continued.

 

“By empowering pharmacists to authorise and administer an expanded range of vaccines, including NIP vaccines like RSV, the Northern Territory Government is leveraging the expertise of pharmacists to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved communities”, Dr Angley said.

 

PSA has long advocated for the expansion of pharmacists’ roles in immunisation, recognising the potential to increase vaccination rates and reduce the burden on other healthcare providers. This change will make it easier for patients to access life-saving vaccines closer to home at their convenience.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, encouraged other Australian states and territories to follow the Northern Territory’s leadership in this area.

 

“Expanding pharmacists’ vaccination authority nationwide will improve vaccination accessibility and immunisation coverage across the country. PSA urges all jurisdictions to consider similar measures, removing barriers such as limitations on vaccine, patient age, funding and location of vaccination,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists in delivering high-quality and accessible healthcare services and will continue to advocate for policies that optimise the role of pharmacists in Australia’s health system.

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

 

Note: The Professional Practice Standards defines prescribing as ‘an iterative process involving the steps of information gathering, clinical decision-making, communication and evaluation that results in the initiation, continuation or cessation of a medicine. This may differ from the definition provided in the legislation governing the use of medicines in each jurisdiction. Health professionals are advised to review the legislation in effect in the state or territory in which they practice to ensure they understand their legal authorisation to prescribe medicines’.

 

The updated SSTP authorises pharmacists to initiate and administer listed vaccines. This authority does not extend to the issuing of a prescription for dispensing and/or administration of another health practitioner.

 

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PSA set to negotiate and sign new pharmacy programs agreement

31 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are set to negotiate the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government. PSA will be signatory to this agreement.

 

The agreement will cover 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 stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was an opportunity to reform programs to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, now and into the future.

 

“PSA is the recognised peak body for all pharmacists, in all areas of practice across our health system. This agreement is an opportunity to reform program rules and funding arrangements to maximise the impact of pharmacists across the health sector,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“In negotiating a standalone agreement with the Australian Government, we are advocating for the changes we have long known need to happen, allowing pharmacists to best serve our communities.

 

“Members will be aware that following PSA’s advocacy, the government confirmed in late 2024 that these programs would have ongoing funding beyond the current financial year. Now that there is security of funding for these programs, our focus turns to removing the barriers that have prevented pharmacists from playing a greater role in patient care.”

 

As signatory to the new agreement, PSA will be seeking feedback from pharmacists and stakeholders on program arrangements and barriers.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist involved in these programs to have their say so that we can provide a full picture of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for pharmacists to provide better care for patients.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government to secure a stronger pharmacy profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA consultant pharmacist adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the announcement.

 

“As the home for credentialed pharmacists, it’s important that PSA is the organisation leading these discussions,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“I’m excited to be part of PSA’s team, advocating for improvements to these programs. As someone with a deep understanding of the current programs, I am committed to raising awareness of the benefits of these programs and further enhancing outcomes for patients.”

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

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Nearly 34,000 children presenting to emergency departments each year due to medicine problems, new report finds

31 January 2025

 

An estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals, according to a new report from the peak body for Australian pharmacists.

 

The Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today reveals the extent of medicine-related problems in children and adolescents, costing the Australian economy at least $130 million each year.

 

In the past six months alone, approximately 120,000 Australian children under 14 years old have experienced an adverse event due to medicines.

 

The report calls for Australia’s health system to be better equipped to deal with medicine safety challenges, with recommendations for action including the implementation of a national incident reporting and learning system, so that when children are harmed by medicines, health professionals and systems learn how to prevent another child suffering the same harm. This would bring Australia in line with many of our international peers, including Canada who have had the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) program in place since 2019.

 

Further recommendations also call for increased availability of pharmacists in paediatric wards of hospitals, as well as mandatory indication on prescriptions for children and adolescents, and mandatory manual dose checks during dispensing of paediatric prescriptions.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the report’s findings painted a sobering reality of medicine use in Australia’s children and adolescents, showing the urgent need for reform.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA continues to advocate for pharmacists to be further empowered in their roles as medicine safety experts.

 

“Our health system is failing children and adolescents. As a health community, we must commit to doing better, but we also need to be given the resources and tools to do better. Pharmacists are critical to ensure the safe use of medicines and must be supported to do so.

 

“That means adequately staffing children’s hospital wards with the expertise of pharmacists, investing in systems that capture the data needed for evidence-based policy, and improving the quality use of medicines whenever medicines are used.

 

“It takes all of us, across all areas of practice and indeed across all health professions, to make a difference to the children and adolescents who rely on our care,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The full Medicine safety: Child and adolescent care report is available at www.psa.org.au/medicine-safety-child-adolescent-care-report/

 

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

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PSA announce intent to acquire Australasian College of Pharmacy

28 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Board has today announced plans to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, further growing PSA’s leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.

 

The Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College) is a member-based organisation developing and delivering education, training, and research programs to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants since 1976.

 

The decision to acquire the College is part of the PSA Board’s broader plan to maximise member value through growth, expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.

 

PSA’s acquisition of the College builds on its long history of high-quality, nation-leading education and training for pharmacists, allowing further investment in professional and practice support for members.

 

The PSA Board has carefully considered the impact of acquiring the College, and alongside independent advice from third-party experts the Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members, and the broader profession.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the acquisition will be a transformational opportunity to grow PSA’s industry-leading education and workforce development offer.

 

“The PSA Board’s strategic decision to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy secures a long-term future for pharmacy workforce education. It puts PSA in a stronger representative and financial position to support and advocate for our members during this pivotal time of practice change in pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Along with the PSA Board, I fully understand the challenges pharmacists are facing, as we transition to full scope of practice and our roles become increasingly demanding.

Growing our footprint within pharmacy education means we can further invest in not only education, but also the professional and practice support PSA provides. As our profession continues to mature, this unity will provide the necessary strength our profession needs at this critical time of change to fully utilise our skills and expertise.

 

“We are ambitious about our future growth as an organisation, as the peak education and representative body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We look forward to being able to provide even more education opportunities and support to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians, strengthening our pharmacy profession and ultimately improving care for our patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

ACP Chief Executive Officer Amanda Seeto said the College and the PSA had always shared a commitment to providing contemporary education and training in a format that is accessible, efficient, and most importantly – highly relevant to Australian pharmacists.

 

“This exciting and pragmatic change maximises the focus on world-leading professional development for Australian pharmacists, no matter their practice setting or career stage.

 

“The move will set our sector up for success, at a time when pharmacy is becoming an increasingly valued frontline health service.”

 

PSA members are set to vote on matters relating to the acquisition at an upcoming meeting.

 

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

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Consumer voices strengthen PSA’s roadmap to 2030

18 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today release the Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report, an addendum to the Pharmacists in 2030 vision released in August 2024.

 

The report reveals the outcomes of fourteen patient focus groups held as part of the broader Pharmacists in 2030 consultation process.

 

Consumers reaffirmed high levels of trust with pharmacists, and expressed broad support for expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, including prescribing and participating in multidisciplinary teams.

As part of the report, PSA also makes a series of commitments to ensure patients are better served by Australian pharmacists. PSA commits to:

  • maintaining a consumer network to inform and partner in our work, including in PSA’s policy and advocacy, the development of practice guidelines and other practice support materials;
  • utilising the lived experience of consumers to inform pharmacist education, including at PSA’s National Conference; and
  • remunerating consumers for their involvement in projects and consultation.

 

These commitments further promote person-centred care as part of PSA’s role as leaders of professional pharmacy practice.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the Pharmacists in 2030 consumer consultation was a powerful testimony to how health sector policy can be strengthened with the views of patients.

 

“Patients and consumers are at the heart of everything we do as pharmacists, and should have a voice when policies are made for the system that is meant to serve them,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Throughout our Pharmacists in 2030 project PSA listened to both pharmacists and consumer focus groups, and the result is a stronger vision for the future.

 

“In releasing these consumer insights PSA also makes a number of commitments to amplifying consumer voices in all that we do. Consumers will continue to be a key part of the work we undertake, from standards and guidelines, to education and policy work. Partnerships which have been ad hoc now become our business-as-usual.

 

“Working directly with consumers and consumer advocates means the communities we serve have a greater say on how pharmacist care is delivered, improving care for all Australians.”

 

The Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report is available here.

 

Please note that the consumer testimonials in this report are provided solely for informational and illustrative purposes. Media may use these quotes only when attributing to PSA’s Pharmacists in 2030: Strengthening consumer voices report.

 

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

 

 

 

 

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PSA and Audirie mark first year of partnership, announcing expansion of AI-powered education simulations in 2025

5 December 2024

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Audirie are celebrating the first anniversary of partnership, empowering thousands of learners through immersive AI-powered simulations and enhancing their patient counselling and clinical communication skills.

 

In the first year of partnership, PSA and Audirie have:

  • Empowered thousands of pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy assistants through immersive AI-powered simulations.
  • Enhanced patient counselling and clinical communication skills with cutting-edge technology tailored to the unique needs of pharmacy professionals.
  • Strengthened our shared commitment to excellence in education and improved health outcomes for communities across Australia.

 

PSA is expanding use of AI-powered pharmacist prescriber simulations in 2025, giving more learners access to nation-leading technology.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership and the upcoming launch of the AI-powered simulations.

 

“Our collaboration with Audirie is boosting the capacity of our education programs to deliver real-world experience for pharmacists, interns and assistants, setting them up to succeed in new roles,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Integrating pharmacist prescriber simulations means learners will be able to practically apply knowledge, counselling and prescribing for an AI-driven patient in real-life clinical scenarios.

 

“PSA is proud to be leading the integration of artificial intelligence in pharmacist education, giving our learners the best and most comprehensive education experience in the Australian market.”

 

Audirie Co-founder and CEO Michael Alexander also highlighted the utilisation of AI as a powerful tool in improving learning outcomes.

 

“Our partnership with PSA has been a transformative journey. Over the past year, we’ve empowered pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy interns with cutting-edge AI simulations that enhance their skills and confidence. Together, we are shaping the future of pharmacy education and professional development in Australia.”

 

“The integration of AI into the upcoming PSA Pharmacist Prescriber modules represents the next step in our shared vision to elevate the profession. By combining innovative technology with PSA’s expertise, we are equipping pharmacists with tools to excel in their evolving roles and deliver better patient outcomes.”

 

About Audirie

Audirie is a leading provider of AI-driven communication solutions, committed to transforming the way individuals learn and grow. With a focus on immersive learning experiences, Audirie harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver innovative and effective training programs across various industries.

 

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

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

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Pharmacists ready to immunise against RSV in pregnancy

12 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes improved availability of federally funded maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), saving parents over $300 each on private immunisation costs.

 

RSV remains a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation, with around 12,000 infants admitted to hospital with severe RSV every winter. Maternal immunisation significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in children in their first six months.

 

As a vaccine listed on the NIP, funding of the administration of the vaccine by community pharmacists will be covered under the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program in participating community pharmacies.

 

However, due to an outdated regulatory approach, many states will need to amend their regulations to permit pharmacists to immunise this cohort against RSV.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the addition of RSV vaccines to the NIP, urging governments to update regulations now to permit pharmacist immunisers to administer as soon as vaccines are available.

“PSA welcomes the inclusion of Abrysvo on the NIP as an important protection against hospitalisation or death of infants from severe RSV infection and also congratulate Minister Butler and the federal government for their leadership in limiting preventable disease in children,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Now that the vaccine has been added to the NIP, we must ensure that pregnant people are able to access it, no matter where they live.

 

“We need to move to an approach where all immunisers, including pharmacists, can initiate and administer all vaccines, as recommended by the Unleashing the Potential of the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review.

 

“I urge all states and territories to expand immunisation authorities to allow Australians to access all vaccines they are recommended from their local pharmacist, including Abrysvo,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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

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Scope of practice report confirms barriers to care and inefficiencies in current health system – time to implement all 18 recommendations

5 November 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, welcomes today’s release of the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Scope of practice review, setting out a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.

 

The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.

 

“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.

 

“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

 

“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.

 

​​“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”

 

A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession. PSA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, state and territory governments to implement the report’s findings.

 

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

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Empowering pharmacists to meet Australia’s health needs

25 September 2024

Marking World Pharmacists Day today (25 September), Australia’s peak body for pharmacists the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) reaffirms the key actions that form its flagship vision Pharmacists in 2030, highlighting the growing role of Australia’s pharmacists in meeting health needs.

 

Pharmacists around Australia and the world are responding to health challenges every day. Whether this be improving access to essential medicines, vaccination services and health advice, or optimising medicine use for safety and efficacy, pharmacists are on the frontlines of Australia’s health care system every day.

 

Last month PSA released Pharmacists in 2030, mapping the direction of the pharmacy profession over the coming years. Pharmacists in 2030 further identifies the key areas for reform in both practice and workforce development necessary to meet the health challenges of the future.

 

Pharmacists in 2030 continues a strong focus on medicine safety and improving access to care and medicines, also building an increased focus on patient equity, sustainability and supports which empower pharmacists to be the best they can be.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the future PSA sees further harnesses the potential of pharmacists.

 

“Australians need the expertise of pharmacists more than ever before,” Associate Professor Sim said. “As medicine use continues to grow and our population ages, Australian health needs are becoming more complex.”

 

“PSA sees pharmacists in all areas of practice doing more to meet these health challenges, and supported to do more for their patients or the communities they serve.

 

“By 2030, we see community pharmacy formally recognised as a preventive and primary health care hub where pharmacists are appropriately funded to practise to full and top of scope and play a greater role in preventive health care, treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic health conditions – particularly through an increased prescribing role.

 

“While most community pharmacies will remain broad in their health offering to the community, some will become more specialised and focused to meet specific needs.

 

“Many of these changes are already well underway with various scope of practice pilots and changes occurring in every state and territory. These innovations and initiatives have been driven by real patient need and health system demand.

 

“We also see the need for pharmacists wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed. This means playing a bigger role in multidisciplinary health care teams.

 

“Some of these roles will be relevant to community pharmacists, particularly in outreach services, others will see pharmacists embedded in these teams, often being a key conduit to reduce medicine safety risks in liaison with a patient’s community pharmacy.

 

“To the 38,000 pharmacists practising around the country, make sure you take a moment to celebrate your contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community this World Pharmacy Week and particularly today on World Pharmacists Day. On behalf of PSA, thank you for all that you do,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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

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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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