Pharmacists given green light to give childhood vaccinations
New Zealand pharmacists will be able to provide childhood vaccinations from April 1, 2024, following an announcement made today by Pharmac and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
The announcement follows a decision being made on Pharmac’s joint proposal with Health NZ to remove the Xpharm restriction of certain childhood vaccines.
PSNZ Practice and Policy Manager Chris Jay says that PSNZ will look closely at today’s announcement and work alongside Pharmac, Health NZ and IMAC, who will provide the training, to ensure that pharmacists and practices who are considering providing this service have the information they need to make the best service decisions on childhood immunisation for their practices and the communities they serve.
“This is a significant announcement and there will be a lot for pharmacists, and pharmacies, to consider over the coming weeks. We’ll be playing our part to ensure our members have the right information at the right time to make informed decisions,” says Chris.
In releasing the decision Health NZ’s National Director, National Public Health Service, Dr Nick Chamberlain said: “strengthening our utilisation of community pharmacies across the motu creates another option for whānau to get vaccinated in their communities, particularly for those who can’t access, or aren’t enrolled, with a General Practice”.
Dr Chamberlain says pharmacist vaccinators who wish to offer childhood immunisations will be able to access a funded training package to become an authorised vaccinator, meaning they can administer vaccines to anyone from six weeks of age.
He said the expectation is that vaccinating community pharmacies will work closely with their local general practices and Māori Hauora to ensure that babies continue to access important health screening.
More information is provided here:
And here:
New opportunity for pharmacists to offer childhood immunisations – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora