WESTERN Australian pharmacists will be able to give out influenza vaccinations to adults next year.
Only accredited pharmacists will be able to give out the vaccinations and patients will then have to wait 15 minutes so pharmacists can observe any side affects.
In order to provide vaccinations in WA, pharmacists will need to pass accredited training and the Department of Health said they would work with pharmacists to ensure they are trained by the time.
Health Minister Kim Hames said it would make vaccinations more accessible.
“A large trial of pharmacist vaccinations in Queensland this year resulted in 80 pharmacies vaccinating more than 10,000 people,” he said.
Ravenswood Pharamcy pharmacist Emily Lloyd said it was about protecting the entire community so the flu does not spread.
“We have a private consulting room so no-one is going to be able to see anything,” she said.
“Access to doctors is a struggle, especially around this area which is isolated."
She said it was likely to start before the flu season next year.
