While the plan is out of step with the Australian Medical Association, Thornton Discount Drug store owner and pharmacist Stephen Boyle said it was a sensible move.

“The process hasn’t been developed yet, but it will be done in a responsible way,” he said.

“This is not to take patients away from doctors, it is to target those people that aren’t currently getting their vaccinations.”

Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison met with Mr Boyle on Thursday to discuss the issue.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley announced the policy on February 1, but the AMA said pharmacists were not prepared for the change.

Ms Aitchison said Labor’s plan would address that concern.

“Participating pharmacies will have to go through two days’ training overseen by NSW Health,” she said.

Proponents of the scheme pointed to trials in Queensland that achieved an increase in the number of young men being vaccinated when at the pharmacy for other reasons.

In December 2013, the Pharmacy Board of Australia affirmed the administration of vaccines to be within the scope of pharmacy practice. 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has also developed practice guidelines.

Ms Aitchison said flu shots were a sensible place to start, should Labor win the election.

“Influenza is a public health risk and we need to get more people in Maitland vaccinated,” she said.

“Trained pharmacists offer a safe, convenient and cost-effective way to achieve that outcome.”