Background
Pharmacist immunisers are registered pharmacists who have completed additional training that allows them to administer approved vaccines to specified patient groups. This improves vaccine accessibility for the community which is particularly important to limit the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.
Pharmacist immuniser requirements
In addition to completing an immunisation program recognised by the Chief Health Officer, pharmacist immunisers are required to display their certificate of completing said training, hold current First Aid and CPR certificates, and ensure that another suitably qualified staff member is on site when immunising in pharmacy settings. Completion of further training modules are required prior to administering some vaccines (COVID-19, monkeypox and Japanese encephalitis)
Pharmacist immunisers are bound by the policies and procedures of their local jurisdiction. For more information on requirements of pharmacists in Victoria, refer to the Victorian Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination Program Guidelines.
Which vaccines can pharmacist immunisers administer in Victoria?
In Victoria, pharmacist immunisers are authorised to administer the following vaccines:
- influenza vaccines to those aged ≥ 5 years
- diphtheria– tetanus–pertussis vaccines to those aged ≥ 12 years
- measles-mumps-rubella vaccines to those aged ≥ 15 years
- meningococcal ACWY vaccines to those aged ≥ 15 years
- COVID-19 vaccines under a time limited approval
- human papillomavirus vaccines to those aged ≥ 12 years
- pneumococcal vaccines to those ≥ 50 years
- herpes zoster vaccines to those ≥ 50 years
- mpox vaccines to eligible individuals aged ≥ 5 years
- Japanese encephalitis vaccines to eligible individuals aged ≥ 5 years.
Resources
Pharmacist Immuniser Training Programs
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia: Manage the delivery and administration of injections and immunisations- Victoria
- Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria: Delivering immunisation in a community pharmacy setting
Other resources
- DHHS: Pharmacist immunisers
- DHHS: Pharmacist-administered vaccination services
- Victorian COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines
- Victorian Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination Program Guidelines
Authors: Rachael McGuire (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute), Annie Cobbledick (Immunisation Pharmacist, The Royal Children’s Hospital), Nigel Crawford (Director SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute), Helen Pitcher (Immunisation Section, Department of Health and Human Services) and Linny Nguy (Immunisation Section, Department of Health and Human Services)
Reviewed by: Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator)
Date: January 30, 2023
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.