Trained pharmacists will be able to give measles and whooping cough injections from 2019. 

From January 2019, trained pharmacists who undertakes an approved course will be able to give diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (dTpa) shots, and measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and flu shots.  

This is following a NSW Health recommendation to expand pharmacist’s vaccination services beyond the flu jab. 

“People tell us access to a GP can be difficult at times whether you live in the city, country or on the coast, so expanding pharmacy vaccinations gives people more choice,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said. 

“People aged 18 and over can already pay to have their flu jab at pharmacies and soon people 16 and over can do the same and get other jabs too, such as measles,” he added. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that this will hopefully lead to more people getting immunised before travelling overseas. 

“Australia has wiped out measles and the only reported cases are from unvaccinated people who acquire it overseas and then infect others locally,” Mr Hazzard said. 

New grandparents, carers of infants and partners of pregnant women are also highly encouraged to take advantage of this service. 

This will part of the 2018-2019 NSW Government investment of $22.75 million on the state-wide immunisation programs. 

However, Australians who are eligible for free government-funded vaccines, such as those with chronic illnesses, children under five, Aboriginal people, pregnant women and people over 65 will still need to see their GP for the injections.