NSW pharmacists get authorization to vaccinate against measles and whooping cough

"People tell us that access to a generalist can be difficult at times, whether you live in the city, in the country or on the coast, so the development of pharmacy vaccines gives people more choice." said Barilaro.

Hazzard said he hoped that new grandparents, caregivers and partners of pregnant women would use the MMR pharmacist's immunization services to protect newborns from whooping cough.

He also hoped that potential travelers would be immune to MMR and dTpa before going abroad.

"Australia has eliminated measles and the only cases reported come from unvaccinated people who catch it overseas and then infect other people locally," said Hazzard.

Nearly 20% of young adults have missed at least one dose of MMR vaccine, many of whom do not have a GP, said Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of NSW Health for Communicable Diseases.

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"Ideally, everyone should see a GP on a regular basis, but the reality is that young adults need to receive this vaccine and we are trying to increase access for them," Dr. Sheppeard said.

Dr. Kean-Sean Lim, president of the NSW Australian Medical Association, objected to this initiative, calling it "nearsighted" and warned that it would further fragment health care when patients would bypass GPs to get vaccinated.

"A needle is more than a needle … it should be part of complete control," Dr. Lim said.

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He added that the extension of the pharmacists' vaccination program reduced the possibility for general practitioners to detect other health problems or health risks "and makes us all poorer for that".

But David Heffernan, president of the NSA branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said the expansion was "very sensible".

"The health care system will always remain fragmented as long as doctors place themselves above others," Heffernan said.

"We do not know what a villain [infectious disease] will come in the future, but having this as a set of additional tools for the public can only be a good. "

Pharmacists licensed to administer vaccines should report all vaccinations to the Australian Immunization Registry.

All licensed health professionals, including GPs, can access vaccination records and individuals can view their own records.

The cost of each vaccine varies depending on the type and brand and whether or not the pharmacist adds a service fee.

Earlier this month, Dr. Hazzard had obtained the support of the COAG Health Council to develop a national approach to pharmacist vaccination standards that would standardize the program across Australia.

People eligible for free government-funded vaccines, including children under five, Aboriginal people, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and people over 65 will still need to see their doctor.