Pharmacy update: influenza vaccine and intern pharmacists with immunisation certificate

12 May 2021

With most vaccinating pharmacists having commenced rolling out the 2021 influenza vaccines, here are some key points around influenza vaccine administration from the Immunisation Unit at Health Protection NSW:

Influenza vaccines:

Pharmacists should ensure their immunisation training certification covers the administration of influenza vaccines.
Influenza vaccines can only be administered to individuals aged 10 years and over.
Make sure the individual has not had a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 14 days.
Ensure the individual is aware they cannot have a COVID-19 vaccine for at least 14 days after the influenza vaccine.
Refer individuals aged 65 years and over to their GP for their age specific vaccine. They should also be advised this vaccine is free from their GP.
Pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions should also be advised that they are eligible for free influenza vaccine free from their GP. The full list of chronic medical conditions is available in the digital Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Do not vaccinate a person with a contra-indication or precaution to vaccination listed in the digital Australian Immunisation Handbook
The influenza vaccine must be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register in line with the mandatory reporting guidelines.
More resources are available on the NSW Health website.

Intern pharmacists with immunisation certification:

Intern pharmacists (provisionally registered) who have their immunisation certification are only able to vaccinate under direct supervision of an accredited registered pharmacist who is also an accredited vaccinator. This will be reflected in the next update of the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards in line with recommendations made by the Pharmacy Council of NSW.