Sydney Chemist
Which vaccines can I get from my community pharmacist?
Under NSW regulation and authorisation, NSW pharmacists whohave undertaken appropriate training are able to administer the followingprivately funded vaccines:
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa) –people aged 16 years and over
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) – people aged 16 years andover
• Influenza – people aged 10 years and over
Why are pharmacists allowed to administer more vaccines?
Before 1 January 2019, NSW pharmacists could only administerthe influenza vaccine to individuals aged 18 years and over. Changes toregulations have expanded the vaccines available from community pharmacists.The changes now make the influenza vaccine more readily available to peopleaged 10 years and over, as well as whooping cough and measles vaccines topeople aged 16 years and over. This will be beneficial in areas where access toa GP may be limited. Grandparents and carers of young children and partners ofpregnant women will also benefit with having access to the whooping coughvaccine before having contact with a newborn infant. Although the MMR vaccineis free for susceptible young adults from GPs, making the vaccine more readilyavailable will benefit those who do not routinely attend a GP.
Who should receive diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)?
The dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) vaccine isrecommended for anyone who wishes to protect themselves against these diseases.Booster doses should be received every 10 years. It is particularly importantfor healthcare workers and anyone who will be having contact with newbornbabies to ensure that they receive the booster vaccine against whooping cough.This includes partners of pregnant women, grandparents, extended family andfriends. Women should have a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy,ideally at 28-32 weeks gestation but it can be received any time in the thirdtrimester. This vaccine is free for pregnant women from their GP or maternityservice.
Who should receive measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)?
Anyone born during or since 1966 that does not havedocumentation of two doses of measles vaccine is recommended to receive thisvaccine, particularly young adult travellers who may be visiting countrieswhere measles continues to circulate, such as most countries in Asia and manyin Europe.
Is it safe to be vaccinated by a pharmacist?
Yes. Pharmacists are required to complete a comprehensivetraining program which includes conducting a pre-vaccination assessment andmanagement of any adverse event that may occur after vaccination. Pharmacistsin NSW have been safely administering influenza vaccines since 2015 and nosafety concerns have been identified.
Can a 16-year-old consent to vaccination?
Yes. However, the pharmacist can only administer thevaccineif they are certain that the person understands what they are
to. The pharmacist must perform a pre-vaccination assessmentbefore administering any vaccine.
Why can’t I get my child vaccinated at the pharmacy?
Vaccinating children can be more complex than adults andthey often require several vaccines at the same time. Most vaccines that arerequired by children are available for free through either a state fundedprogram or the National Immunisation Program. These free vaccines are availablefrom GPs, some council or Community Health clinics, and Aboriginal MedicalServices. When receiving these vaccines your child will also likely receivemedical assessment appropriate to their developmental milestones.
How will my GP have a record of any vaccinations I receiveat a pharmacy?
Your GP will be able to look up your vaccination record viathe Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The AIR is a national register thatrecords vaccines given to all people of all ages and information in theRegister is accessible by authorised health professionals such as GPs, nurseimmunisers and authorised pharmacists, as well as by individuals for their ownrecords and those of their children.
