GETTING vaccinated will be as easy as dropping in to your local chemist shop or pharmacy, under changes made by the NSW Government which commence today, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced.
Mr Marshall said from today, trained pharmacists across NSW would join GPs and accredited nurse immunisers in being able to give a range of injections, including for measles and whooping cough, to anyone over the age of 16.
“People in our region will now have more choice when it comes to vaccination and that’s a great thing,” Mr Marshall said.
“We know all too well that at times it can be difficult to access a local GP and those who can often have to wait.
“That’s why having the option of seeing a trained pharmacist for your vaccination makes things so much easier and quicker.
“It is also a public recognition of the professionalism, training and experience of our local pharmacists.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said vaccinations had been one of the greatest public health achievements in NSW.
“Now, with this additional range of vaccinations available from pharmacists, we want to encourage new grandparents, carers of infants, and partners of pregnant women to get vaccinated to ensure they don’t catch whooping cough and pass it on to their babies,” Mr Hazzard said
NSW has achieved its highest vaccination rates ever, spending a record $22.75 million this financial year on state-wide immunisation programs.
“Being vaccinated is so important for the health of our communities, especially our children, and I welcome this common-sense change that will make it easier than ever before people in our region to get vaccinated when they need it,” Mr Marshall said.
People eligible for free government-funded vaccines including children under five years of age, Aboriginal people, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people over 65, will still need to access these vaccines via their GP, so they can get a health assessment at the same time.