The move is designed to improve vaccination rates among young children amid what is already shaping up to be a record-breaking flu season.
The announcement was made at TerryWhite Chemmart on Macquarie Street, where it was confirmed that pharmacists in NSW are now authorised to administer flu vaccines to children aged two and over. While pharmacists already deliver around 40 per cent of flu vaccines nationally, they were previously unable to vaccinate children under five – despite being trained and qualified to do so.
Influenza activity usually peaks between May and June, but case numbers across Australia were already at record highs by early March. In NSW, vaccination rates among children aged six months to five years have fallen sharply, from 41.3% in 2020 to just 25.4% in 2024.
“There could be many reasons as to why that has dropped,” said NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Mario Barone, speaking to Nine Afternoon News. “But increasing accessibility in more than 1,100 community pharmacies – with 3,000 pharmacists able to vaccinate – is surely a positive step in improving the vaccination rates of children.
“Pharmacists have great relationships with their patients,” Mr Barone added. “Whether it’s about giving medication or allaying concerns about vaccines, pharmacists are well-equipped to provide safe, trusted care for concerned parents.”
Allowing pharmacists to vaccinate younger children will ease pressure on GPs and make it easier for families to stay protected – especially those with children across multiple age groups, who can now attend a single appointment at their local pharmacy.
“Vaccination is the best protection against serious illness from influenza,” said NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park. “We want to make it as accessible and convenient as possible for young children to receive their influenza vaccine ahead of a severe winter season.”
While many vulnerable patients are eligible for a free flu vaccine under the NIPVIP program, the newly added child cohort is not currently covered.
To find services and book a flu vaccination, patients can visit Find a Pharmacy.
