Pharmacy Guild welcomes MMR vaccine announcement

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) welcomes the Government’s announcement that community pharmacists will now be able to deliver the MMR vaccine.

The initiative could see trained pharmacist vaccinators in around 450 pharmacies nationwide administer the MMR vaccine to those aged 16 to 29, in order to combat the measles outbreak and strengthen immunity amongst the New Zealand public.

Guild Chief Executive, Andrew Gaudin, says the announcement represents an important step forward in improving New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.

“We’ve always said that community pharmacists are well-placed to take up this important work to assist health and wellbeing in their communities.

“Community pharmacists work at the coal face and are deeply integrated in, and trusted by, their communities.”

Mr Gaudin says the ability to administer the MMR vaccine is a valuable tool for pharmacists to help their communities, as the health professional people see most often.

“Given the current outbreak, it’s great that pharmacists are empowered to work at full scope of practice to combat measles.

“We hope to see wide uptake in key areas across New Zealand and collaboration between pharmacists and other primary health care professionals going forward.”

The Guild agrees with Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter that a joined-up, holistic approach is needed.

We will work constructively with the Ministry of Health, PHARMAC and DHBs to ensure that the rollout is achieved practically and sustainably. The Guild will also continue advocating for recognition of additional pharmacy services to deliver improved equity of health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Pharmacy Guild welcomes MMR vaccine announcement The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) welcomes the Government’s announcement that community pharmacists will now be able to deliver the MMR vaccine.

The initiative could see trained pharmacist vaccinators in around 450 pharmacies nationwide administer the MMR vaccine to those aged 16 to 29, in order to combat the measles outbreak and strengthen immunity amongst the New Zealand public.

Guild Chief Executive, Andrew Gaudin, says the announcement represents an important step forward in improving New Zealanders’ health and wellbeing.

“We’ve always said that community pharmacists are well-placed to take up this important work to assist health and wellbeing in their communities.

“Community pharmacists work at the coal face and are deeply integrated in, and trusted by, their communities.”

Mr Gaudin says the ability to administer the MMR vaccine is a valuable tool for pharmacists to help their communities, as the health professional people see most often.

“Given the current outbreak, it’s great that pharmacists are empowered to work at full scope of practice to combat measles.

“We hope to see wide uptake in key areas across New Zealand and collaboration between pharmacists and other primary health care professionals going forward.”

The Guild agrees with Associate Health Minister Julie Anne Genter that a joined-up, holistic approach is needed.

We will work constructively with the Ministry of Health, PHARMAC and DHBs to ensure that the rollout is achieved practically and sustainably. The Guild will also continue advocating for recognition of additional pharmacy services to deliver improved equity of health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.