Pharmacists will soon be able to administer vaccines directly in aged care and disability homes. 

A new measure, known as the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy Program (NIPVIP), is set to begin on Monday, 29 April.

The NIPVIP initiative aims to bolster access to vaccines without any out-of-pocket expenses, providing critical protection against flu and COVID-19 for some of Australia's most vulnerable groups. Government funding will pay pharmacists for the first time to provide free flu and other National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines at residential facilities.

From 1 July 2024, the payments to pharmacists within the NIPVIP will also be indexed in line with MBS indexation, with funding for the program extension available until June 2026. 

The continuation of this initiative will be subject to a future review, reflecting the government's adaptive strategy in managing public health needs.

Recent stats reveal that flu cases this year have spiked by 40 per cent compared to the same period last year. Last year, influenza claimed 39 lives, including 9 children under the age of 16, marking a significant increase from previous years.

Despite the increased effectiveness of last year's flu vaccines - which reduced hospital admissions by 68 per cent and GP visits by 64 per cent - the uptake of flu vaccinations declined. 

The flu vaccine remains free through the NIP for people most at risk, including young children, pregnant women, First Nations people, and older adults. 

“Community pharmacists play a vital role in our healthcare system – and they will play an even bigger role by administering free, lifesaving vaccines to eligible patients living in aged care homes and disability homes,” federal health minister Mark Butler said.