Community pharmacies in New South Wales are now able to provide a range of vaccines to anyone over the age of 16. 

From this month onwards, a change in regulation will allow trained pharmacists to administer shots for measles, whooping cough, and the flu on chemist premises. 

Prior to 1 January 2019, NSW pharmacists could only provide the flu vaccine to individuals aged 18 years or over. 

“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,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the change will give people more choice in terms of where they get vaccinated. 

“In regional and remote parts of NSW, it can be hard to access a GP. That’s why having the option of a trained pharmacist makes things so much easier,” Mr Barilaro said.

However, those eligible for free government-funded vaccines, including children under five, Indigenous Australians, individuals with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people over 65, will still need to access the vaccines through their GP, so that they can get a health assessment at the same time.