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Case for Pharmacist Administered Vaccinations in Australia
Author(s) -
Bushell MaryJessimine A,
Yee Kwang Choon,
Ball Patrick A,
Ball Patrick A
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2013.tb00278.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pharmacy , pharmacist , government (linguistics) , vaccination , family medicine , public health , nursing , virology , philosophy , linguistics
Background Pharmacists in Portugal, New Zealand, the UK and USA are able to administer vaccines. Despite international trends, current jurisdictional regulations prevent Australian pharmacists from administering vaccines. Aim To assess if there is a case for pharmacist administered vaccination (PAV) in Australia. Discussion Studies and government data indicate suboptimal uptake of some vaccines in Australia. Over the past two decades, PAV services have been introduced successfully in some developed countries. Available literature revealed PAVs provided significant benefits in these countries, such as increased vaccination uptake and subsequent decreased disease burden and associated cost benefits. PAVs are in line with Australian government policy and priorities. The pharmacy profession, guided by peak professional bodies, has demonstrated a willingness to embrace PAVs based on appropriate competencies and broadening health delivery options to the public. Conclusion There is a case for PAV services in Australia. It is not possible to adopt an overseas model of PAVs in Australia without significant modification to its unique immunisation program, which incorporates a different funding and governance system.