World Immunisation Week was a global public health campaign from 24th to 30th April 2025 and an excellent opportunity to increase the awareness of the importance of immunisations within the community.
In Queensland, the Medicines and Poisons Act 2021 enables student pharmacists to undertake accredited training and administer vaccines under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who holds a current pharmacist immuniser qualification. Refer to the Australasian College of Pharmacy Vaccination Resources page for more information about pharmacists' scope by State/Territory. —Khanh Nguyen, National ITP & Vaccination Manager, Australasian College of Pharmacy
Student Immuniser Natalie Langdon's professional experience
My experience as a student immuniser in the community has been extremely eye-opening into the additional services pharmacists can provide to help our patients. My knowledge and skills have been developed to an industry standard after obtaining my immunisation certificate. It has provided me with further confidence and understanding, in ways that as future pharmacists can offer protection to our communities and support those who are unable to protect themselves. Being able to provide potentially lifesaving protection against some of the world’s most prevalent viruses to members of the community is the most rewarding feeling.
Throughout my three years of vaccinating, I have learnt that administration of vaccines can be intimidating initially. However, with the building blocks provided by the training course, the support of trainers and pharmacists around me, my confidence has grown significantly. It is comforting to know that there is always support available and knowledge to be shared. Don’t be afraid to ask those “silly” questions, and in my opinion it’s sillier to act like you know the answer, when you may not have all the solutions.
The best advice I can give to new student immunisers is to develop a routine. Building a mental checklist and order of procedure for when you vaccinate. It will help you learn more and give yourself and your patient more confidence that you have the skills and are willing to help.
Natalie Langdon is a 4th year Pharmacy student at James Cook University, Townsville and an active member of the Pharmacy Guild Immunisation Course National Advisory Committee since 2024.
Natalie is currently employed at Cate’s Chemist and has been vaccinating the Townsville community since March 2022, when she obtained an immunisation qualification.
