SOUTH Australia is the latest jurisdiction to authorise trained pharmacist immunisers to administer influenza vaccines to children aged five years and older, in line with COVID-19 immunisations.
The move announced by SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, on Friday, will allow pharmacists to supply and administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) flu shots to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged five years and older, and private market doses to children over five years of age.
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia SA Branch President, Robyn Johns, said the decision would significantly boost access to flu shots for children in the state.
"This is great news for both South Australians and our pharmacist immunisers," she said.
"Influenza vaccinations are as important as ever this year, and we are pleased that SA's pharmacists can help increase vaccine accessibility and protect our vulnerable populations.
"Our pharmacists continue to go over and above for their communities.
"They are one of our most accessible healthcare workforces and are trained and experienced in vaccinating younger age groups.
"This announcement partially delivers on one of PSA's SA election recommendations -- that pharmacists be enabled to administer medicines by injection, with an expanded range of vaccines."
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