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PSA welcomes SA’s nation-leading vaccination scope for pharmacists and calls on other states to follow

6 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the South Australian Government for its decision to remove the regulatory shackles holding pharmacists back from fully using their skills and expertise to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

As announced today by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP, effective immediately, South Australian pharmacist immunisers can authorise and administer any vaccine within their individual scope of practice, including for the first time travel health vaccines for cholera, rabies and typhoid.

 

Similarly, the government has removed unnecessary red tape regulating age cohorts which has constrained and disincentivised service provision by pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS celebrated the announcement.

 

“From today, South Australian pharmacists will be authorised to prescribe and administer vaccines from the same vaccine formulary as every other vaccinator – the Australian Immunisation Handbook,” Dr Angley said.

 

“This will dramatically improve access and convenience for South Australians. No longer will patients need to wait for pharmacists to review unnecessarily complex legal authority to before safely authorising and administering recommended vaccines, including travel health vaccines

 

“South Australia is leading the nation in scope of pharmacist-administered vaccines, a fact that we should be very proud of.

 

“I thank Minister Picton for his confidence in our profession in supporting a more sophisticated and contemporary approach to pharmacist scope of practice. PSA has advocated for today’s changes for a number of years. I am confident in saying that today, South Australia is the envy of our pharmacist vaccinator colleagues in every other jurisdiction across the country.

 

Adding support to the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS heralded the reforms ‘nation-leading’ and called for other jurisdictions to adopt the South Australian approach.

 

“Today’s announcement in South Australia means that pharmacists will be able to prescribe and administer vaccines consistent with their skills and knowledge, rather than be held back by regulation. Regulation should enable, rather than restrict good health care provision. This approach will unlock a new level of care, and should be the standard all other states and territories aspire to,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“This is a significant and sensible step forward to improve Australians’ access to healthcare which will strengthen our healthcare system’s capacity.

 

“PSA is advocating to regulators in every other Australian jurisdiction urging for alignment of these regulatory changes in each jurisdiction to unleash the potential of pharmacists in protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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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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South Australian pharmacists set to boost health care access as scope of practice expands

25 September 2024

 

South Australians will soon be able to access health care for a range of conditions from their local pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

 

Pharmacists who undertake postgraduate training will be able to treat skin conditions, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal pain and rhinitis, as well as provide wound management services. It is estimated that pharmacists could be delivering services by 2026.

 

The announcement, made on World Pharmacists Day, follows the successful rollout of pharmacy programs allowing South Australian women to access medication for a urinary tract infection and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through qualified pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the Minister’s announcement to expand pharmacy services in South Australia.

 

“Our profession is continually evolving to better meet the increasingly complex health needs of Australians, our ageing population and overstretched health system,” Dr Angley said.

 

“Pharmacists are successfully supporting patients with treatment for urinary tract infections, resupplying of the oral contraceptive and Mental Health First Aid. These programs are already showing positive outcomes, including a reduction in emergency department visits.”

 

Dr Angley reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to providing high quality education for pharmacists as scope of practice expands in the state.

 

“PSA is an industry-leader in pharmacist education and is looking forward to further supporting South Australian pharmacists to expand their scope of practice.

 

“South Australian health consumers need pharmacists delivering services through the Pharmacy Scope of Practice program. They need all pharmacists doing more to support safe and effective use of medicines and greater access to care when and where they need it.

 

“We’re proud to see South Australia harnessing the potential of pharmacists, allowing us to better support our patients.”

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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 on the agenda for Northern Territory Election

25 July 2024

 

Territorians may soon have greater access to health services through community pharmacists as both major parties look to improve access to care ahead of the Northern Territory’s August election.

 

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro this week announced the Northern Territory Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice program, allowing pharmacists to treat ‘up to 21 conditions’ if the Country Liberal Party (CLP) is elected to government in August.

 

Meanwhile the Northern Territory Government launched a consultation earlier this month, seeking community feedback on what expanded community pharmacy services could look like in the Territory.

 

PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Vice-President Colleen Niland welcomed the focus on pharmacy services.

 

“The Northern Territory is home to 270 pharmacists who can and should be empowered to contribute more to the health of Territorians. PSA strongly supports scope of practice changes and better utilisation of pharmacists’ skills and expertise, including through programs that empower pharmacists to treat common health concerns.

 

“PSA welcomes the CLP’s commitment to expand pharmacist services if they are elected in August. We want to see pharmacists empowered to do more for their patients and our Territorians, and look forward to the release of NT Labor’s health policy in due course.

 

“Acknowledging the vital role general practitioners hold, greater access to health services through community pharmacists will free up GPs, especially during the tourist surge when there is increased demand.

 

“Almost all Australian jurisdictions have now implemented trials or programs allowing pharmacists to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), an initiative that’s been welcomed by patients, and it’s time for the Northern Territory to catch up and support our Territorians.

 

“Allowing pharmacists to treat uncomplicated UTIs, deliver more vaccines, or provide antivirals for COVID-19 and influenza would mean more time available for GPs to spend on more complex health needs.

“As pharmacists we want to do more for our patients, and our patients want us to be able to do more,” Ms Niland concluded.

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

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NT Budget’s investment in health an opportunity

14 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the investment in Northern Territory health services as part of the Territory Budget delivered by Chief Minister Eva Lawler MLA today.

 

The Budget includes $12 million for design and preparation for a new 120‑bed residential aged care facility in the Palmerston Regional Health Precinct, as well as $108 million for a range of mental health measures at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

 

President of the PSA Northern Territory and South Australia Branch Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomed the investment, highlighting the opportunities for pharmacists to bolster high-quality aged care and mental health.

 

“The Northern Territory Government’s investment in health services is critical to making care more accessible to Territorians,” Dr Angley said.

 

“The announcement of a new 120-bed residential aged care facility in Palmerston is another opportunity for pharmacists to support older Territorians through the soon to be launched federally-funded Aged Care On-site Pharmacists (ACOP) program, supporting Quality Use of Medicines and reducing the risk of medicine-related harm in aged care.”

 

Pharmacists will be better able to support the mental health care of patients across the Territory, with increased investment into the Royal Darwin Hospital’s mental health capacity, says Dr Angley.

 

“Increased funding for mental health services is a chance to harness the skills and expertise of pharmacists to enhance the delivery of high-quality mental health care through optimising medicine use.

 

“We are continuing to work with the Northern Territory Government to ensure that all Territorians have access to appropriate care when and where they need it, including from pharmacists practising across our health network,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

 

 

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

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South Australian pharmacists welcome oral contraception access

11 April 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement of oral contraceptive pill resupply services through South Australian community pharmacies from May 2024.

 

Announced by SA Health Minister Chris Picton MP today, the Community Pharmacy Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Resupply Services Scheme authorises appropriately trained pharmacists to resupply certain oral contraceptive pills to South Australian women* aged 17 to 50.

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It is a requirement that the requested OCP was initiated by a medical practitioner or other authorised prescriber, and the patient has a history of stable continuous use for a minimum of 2 years prior to resupply through community pharmacy. Medicines included in the protocol include low and standard dose estrogen, and progestogen only contraceptive pills.

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PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said the move secures timely access to care for thousands of women.

 

“Improving the accessibility to and continuity of contraceptive medicines is essential to empower women to manage their reproduction. This program will make oral contraception more accessible to more South Australian women, particularly those in regional and rural areas,” Dr Angley said.

 

“Pharmacists are also some of the most accessible health care professionals, giving consumers safe, and equitable access to quality health care and advice as well as provision of medicines, now including approved oral contraceptive pills.”

 

Dr Angley said that pharmacists can now complete PSA’s Contraception Essentials online training module in preparation for the program’s start on 6 May 2024.

 

“PSA’s Contraception Essentials online training program is open for enrolment to support pharmacists with the required approved, high-quality education ahead of the program’s start.

 

“I strongly encourage all South Australian pharmacists to complete the PSA training program now so that services can be delivered immediately,” Dr Angley said.

 

* These services are inclusive of transgender, gender diverse, intersex or non-binary people assigned or presumed female at birth.

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

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Statement on resignation of Natasha Fyles

19 December 2023

 

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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“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.

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“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 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.

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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.

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

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

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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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