The changes to the Vaccine Code, which came into effect in late April, mean more vaccinations can be accessed by South Australians at their local pharmacy.
Eligibility for the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine has also been extended for people aged five years and over.
The changes apply to the following vaccinations:
- JEV vaccine to persons aged five years and over
- Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (in combination) to persons aged 10 years and over
- Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine (adult formulation in combination) to persons aged 10 years and over
- Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio vaccine (adult formulation in combination) to persons aged 10 years and over
- Inactivated polio vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine to persons aged 10 and over
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Hepatitis A vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Hepatitis B vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Hepatitis A and B combination vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Meningococcal B vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Varicella only (chickenpox) vaccine to persons aged 10 years and over
- Herpes zoster (Shingrix) vaccine to persons aged 50 years and over.
SA Health's Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the changes followed consultation with a range of stakeholders.
"This expanded range of pharmacist-administered vaccinations will help to increase access and uptake of additional vaccines, providing greater protection to the community," Professor Spurrier said.
"During the busy winter months and beyond, this will help ease demand on GPs and help alleviate pressure on our health services."
For more information about the new Vaccine Administration Code, visit SA Health.
