As part of the changes, the Pharmacist Vaccination Standards will be amended ahead of the 2026 influenza season, allowing pharmacists and intern pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children from two years of age, down from the current minimum of five.
Minister Stephen-Smith highlighted the vital role pharmacists play in the health and wellbeing of Canberrans.
“Pharmacists contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of Canberrans through the many services they offer, including administering influenza vaccines,” she said.
PGA’s ACT Branch President Simon Blacker described the announcement as the green light that community pharmacists had been waiting for.
“Pharmacists can now enrol in approved full-scope practice training with the confidence that, once qualified, they can treat more patients for a wider range of health conditions,” he said.
“This commitment by the ACT Government will lead to better outcomes for patients, improve access to care, and ease pressure on GPs and the ACT health system.”
Vital role
Minister Stephen-Smith noted ACT pharmacists had already administered more than 75,000 influenza vaccines this season, up from some 61,000 last year.
“Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring Canberrans are protected from influenza during the winter season, and these amendments will make it more convenient for families to get vaccinated next year,” she said.
The ACT Government has also committed to authorising trained pharmacists with private consultation rooms to provide additional services, including treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and re-supply of the contraceptive pill — a significant change from the current, more restrictive pharmacy licensing arrangements.
Pharmacists will also be able to deliver services for mild, acute musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, acne, and acute nausea and vomiting once they complete the required post-graduate training.
“Evidence from other jurisdictions supports this expansion in scope of practice for qualified pharmacists,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Authorisation for these services is anticipated to be available in early 2026 for pharmacists who have completed the mandated additional training. Thank you to all pharmacists in the ACT for the work you do to keep our community safe and healthy.”
Green light
The announcement was made at the PGA’s ACT Branch annual dinner, marking a milestone for the profession in Canberra.
“This is the green-light that ACT community pharmacists have been waiting for,” Mr Blacker said.
“Pharmacists can now enrol in approved full-scope practice training with the confidence that, when qualified, they can treat more patients for more health conditions.
“This commitment by the ACT Government will lead to better outcomes for patients, improved access to care, and ease the pressure on GPs and the ACT health system.”
