Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island residents will be among South Australians to have greater access to free vaccines at approved pharmacists from January, helping to relieve pressure on GPs. 

The National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy Program (NIPVIP), a federal government initiative, subsidises community pharmacies to administer the National Immunisation Program.

The program increases access to free vaccines across the state for eligible children and adults aged five and above. 

Children under five years of age can continue to access childhood vaccines through GPs and local council clinics.

The vaccines available from approved pharmacies to eligible South Australians will protect against the following diseases:

• Diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Pneumococcal disease.
• Meningococcal disease.

Vaccines will be available for pharmacies to order from the SA Health Vaccine Distribution Centre from 4 January, and are expected to be ready for consumers from late January.

Approved pharmacies may start to offer bookings during January as stock becomes available.

Pharmacists will be able to order the shingles vaccine as supplies become available from the federal government.

Vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza are already delivered by community pharmacists.

South Australians can speak to their pharmacist about options and how to book an appointment. 

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier says prevention is always better than a cure and immunisation provides the best protection against many infectious diseases. 

“This increased access via community pharmacies provides greater opportunity for our community to protect themselves, especially in our regional areas.”

Fleurieu and KI pharmacies approved to provide vaccines include:

• Aldinga Beach  - National Pharmacies and Terry White Chemmart.
• Goolwa - Goolwa Pharmacy and Priceline.
• Kingscote - Terry White Chemmart.
• McLaren Vale - Terry White Chemmart.
• Meadows - Meadows Community Pharmacy.
• Mount Compass - Mount Compass Pharmacy.
• Normanville - Terry White Chemmart .
• Strathalbyn - Strathalbyn Village Pharmacy and Strathalbyn Amcal.
• Victor Harbor - Terry White Chemmart, Swan’s Harbor Pharmacy and National Pharmacies.

A full list of approved pharmacies, and details for pharmacists about the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy Program (NIPVIP), can be also found at the SA Health website.

For more information about eligibility, refer to the SA Health website or speak to a pharmacist.