Immunisation

Which vaccines can I get from my community pharmacist?

Fully-trained pharmacist immunisers in NSW can administer the following vaccines (to eligible patients) under regulation (Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 (NSW), clause 48A):

• Influenza vaccine – people aged 2 years and over (note: the NIP-funding in pharmacy may be restricted to ≥5 years in some circumstances).
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccine – people aged 5 years and over (catch-up) or 5 years and over generally for privately funded.
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine – people aged 5 years and over (catch-up) or 5 years and over for private supply.
• COVID-19 vaccines – people aged 5 years and over in accordance with TGA/ATAGI guidance.

Why are pharmacists allowed to administer more vaccines?

Before 2019, NSW pharmacists were only authorised to administer the influenza vaccine to adults aged 18 years and over. Since then, changes to state regulations have significantly expanded the range of vaccines pharmacists can provide and lowered the eligible age groups. Today, trained community pharmacists can administer a variety of vaccines, including influenza (for people aged 2 years and over), diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (whooping cough), measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), COVID-19, and several travel and other routine vaccines (generally for those aged 5 years and over, depending on the vaccine). These changes make essential immunisations more accessible — particularly in areas where access to a GP may be limited. They also support important public health measures, such as allowing grandparents, carers, and partners of pregnant women to easily receive the whooping cough vaccine before contact with newborn infants. While many vaccines remain available free of charge through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) via GPs and clinics, community pharmacies now provide a more convenient and flexible option for people who may not routinely visit a doctor.

Is it safe to be vaccinated by a pharmacist?

Yes. Pharmacists complete accredited vaccination training covering pre-vaccination checks, safe administration, and managing any rare reactions. They also maintain current first aid and CPR certification and record all vaccinations in the Australian Immunisation Register. Pharmacists in NSW have been safely vaccinating since 2015, with no safety concerns identified.

Can a 16-year-old consent to vaccination?

Yes. However, the pharmacist can only administer the vaccine if they are certain that the person understands what they are receiving. The pharmacist must perform a pre-vaccination assessment before administering any vaccine.

How will my GP have a record of any vaccinations I receive at a pharmacy?

Your GP will be able to look up your vaccination record via the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The AIR is a national register that records vaccines given to all people of all ages and information in the Register is accessible by authorised health professionals such as GPs, nurse immunisers and authorised pharmacists, as well as by individuals for their own records and those of their children.