Change enables Victorian intern pharmacists to administer vaccines

Monash University pharmacist intern and Chemist Warehouse trainee with experienced pharmacist immuniser.

6 May 2024

Monash University pharmacy interns will be Victoria’s first cohort to join the state’s immunisation workforce under a new Secretary Approval introduced by the Victorian Department of Health which means graduate pharmacists completing their internship can administer vaccinations in pharmacy settings across Victoria, under the supervision of an experienced pharmacist immuniser.

Together, Monash University, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria Branch have worked closely with the Victorian Department of Health’s Immunisation Program to authorise intern pharmacists who hold a provisional registration and have completed an ‘immuniser program of study’ to administer approved immunisations.

In partnership with Monash University nurse immunisers and pharmacist immunisers, Associate Professor Steven Walker has developed and run the Monash University Vaccination Training Program, a program accredited with Health Education Services Australia (HESA) and recognised by the Chief Health Officer of Victoria. The program was offered to intern pharmacists enrolled in the Intern Foundation Program at Monash’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS), with the first cohort now ready to join the workforce and provide invaluable support to community pharmacies.

“Our Monash pharmacy interns will be the first cohort in Victoria to administer vaccinations under the new Secretary Approval, however this is a statewide opportunity for all emerging pharmacists to join the immunisation workforce and make a valuable contribution to protecting public health,” said Associate Professor Walker.

“With flu season upon us and COVID continuing to circulate in the community, winter will be a particularly busy time for community pharmacies.”

“By giving our future pharmacists the opportunity to train as healthcare immunisers, we’re equipping them with the skills needed to serve the community now and into the future.”

FPPS Dean, Professor Arthur Christopoulos FAA FAHMS, said that the change is an important step toward equipping Victoria's future healthcare workforce with vital immunisation skills.

"In recent years, the scale of vaccine doses being administered across the state has only continued to increase, particularly with COVID and RSV vaccines now available, in addition to the annual influenza vaccine. It's important Victoria is prepared to protect our communities, and community pharmacies are extremely well placed to provide this vital service,” said Professor Christopoulos.

“It's been wonderful to see government, our key partners and stakeholders across the entire pharmacy sector, our educators and our students come together to bolster the state's vaccination capabilities."

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said as flu season approaches the program will ensure communities have greater access to vaccinations.

“We’re ensuring more Victorians have access to these important, lifesaving vaccinations while also supporting our graduate pharmacists.”

“Getting vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu not only keeps the pressure off our hospitals, but also gives you and your loved ones the best protection possible over the winter period.”

Newly trained interns will now be able to vaccinate members of the Victorian public under the supervision of a registered experienced pharmacist immuniser.

The Monash University Vaccination Training Program has been designed and facilitated by a number of pharmacist and nurse immunisers to ensure that intern pharmacists are best prepared for this role.

The new Secretary Approval came into effect on 24 April 2024. To find out more visit https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/pharmacist-immunisers

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