From April 1, 2024, New Zealanders will have a more convenient option for childhood vaccinations thanks to a collaboration between Pharmac, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora), and the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ). This follows the removal of the Xpharm restriction on specific childhood vaccines, allowing pharmacists to administer them.
PSNZ acknowledges the importance of this announcement and is committed to providing its members with the necessary resources to make informed decisions. They will work alongside Pharmac, Health NZ, and the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) to ensure pharmacists have the training and information needed to offer this service effectively within their practices and communities.
“This is a significant development,” says Chris Jay, PSNZ Practice and Policy Manager. “We understand there’s a lot to consider, and PSNZ will ensure our members have timely access to the right information to make the best choices for their practices and patients.”
The initiative aims to improve immunization access, especially for whānau (families) who may not have a general practitioner (GP) or struggle with GP accessibility. Dr Nick Chamberlain, National Director of the National Public Health Service at Health NZ, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the program. Pharmacist vaccinators will undergo funded training to become authorized vaccinators for individuals aged six weeks and above. Dr. Chamberlain highlights the importance of continued collaboration between pharmacies, GPs, and Māori Hauora providers to ensure comprehensive health screening for babies remains uninterrupted.
For more information:
New opportunity for pharmacists to offer childhood immunisations – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
