Pharmacists in Western Australia can now immunise people against illnesses such as whooping cough, measles and meningococcal disease, but doctors warn they are better qualified for the job.
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Health Minister Roger Cook said many pharmacists were already trained to administer the "low risk" vaccines to people over the age of 16 and it was expected the remainder would be ready by October.
Pharmacies have been able to provide the flu vaccine to adults since 2014 and in June the state government broadened it to children over the age of 10.
"Everyone should be fully immunised against these potentially deadly illnesses and allowing pharmacists to issue these vaccines will ensure more West Australians are protected," Mr Cook said.
"Other Australian states and territories have extended the range of vaccines available via pharmacy without a prescription."
Pharmacy Guild state branch president Andrew Ngeow welcomed the announcement, saying WA was the world's largest health jurisdiction and there were community pharmacies in 40 towns with no GP service.
"We look forward to a comprehensive vaccination program raising the level of protection and bringing immunisation within easier reach for all West Australians," he said.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia state branch president Fei Sim agreed that allowing trained pharmacists to administer vaccines would significantly increase immunisation rates.
"While Australia has a strong childhood vaccination program, there are many areas in Australia with vaccination rates still below the level of coverage required for herd immunity," she said.
Dr Sim said the recent increase in measles cases in Australia highlighted the need to boost the accessibility of the vaccine and the need for a national approach to pharmacist-administered vaccinations.
But Australian Medical Association state president Andrew Miller said seeing a GP was "not a trivial thing" and doctors could notice other health issues during a consultation.
"The safest and best place to have vaccinations done is with your local family doctor," he told reporters.
"That puts your family's health first and puts profit second.
"We'll let patients make their own conclusions about whether they'd rather have someone who's done the online module or someone who during their career has worked in an emergency department."
Australian Associated Press
