Laws in Victoria changed earlier this year allowing pharmacies to give vaccination shots to people aged 18 and over. Queensland and New South Wales passed the law two years ago and the change has been well received. 

The vaccinations are delivered by specially trained pharmacists. Pharmacy Guild Australia Victorian branch member and Horsham pharmacist Stuart Hall said it would give more people a chance to receive the vaccinations. 

“Usually in Victoria we do clinics in bulk on several days of the year through a nurse,” he said. 

“Priceline and Chemart in Horsham both have trained pharmacists with the vaccinations available now.” 

The owner of Amcal Pharmacy in Horsham Carlie Streeter said the business was getting a lot of elderly clients coming in for whooping cough shots who were expecting grandchildren. 

“We have already done quite a few this year. Stock is ready to go for anyone who wants to come in off the street with no bookings required. We hope that we increase the protection of the community as a whole,” she said. 

The owner of the Amcal Pharmacy in Stawell Brian Hancock said his pharmacists were yet to start the training. 

“We will not participate in this right now. We don’t want to take the work off of the Stawell doctors and give ourselves extra workload,” he said. 

“There are extra costs as well like having to have a separate room with running water, which we do not have, but it is an option for the future.” 

No doctors script is required to receive the vaccinations for people under 60 years of age. 

“It is now more accessible for the general public,” Mr Hall said. 

The price of the vaccinations is dependent on the patient but Mr Hall said it would be reasonably affordable for everyone. 

The pharmacies will not be able to provide vaccinations free of charge for patients over the age of 60.