All eligible ACT community pharmacies will be able to treat women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and those who need a re-supply of their contraceptive pill, following the completion of the NSW Health Pharmacy trial.

The trial enabled Canberrans to access these treatments at 15 pharmacies across the ACT.

The ACT government says clinical trial saw more than 780 consultations for Canberra women aged 18-64 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated UTIs, and 176 consultations for Canberrans seeking re-supply of the oral contraceptive pill.

Community pharmacies will also now be able to support women aged 18 to 49 to obtain a re-supply of the contraceptive pill, after a consultation with a participating pharmacist, if they have been:
•    taking their existing pill for contraceptive purposes; and
•    continuously prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

The government says the ACT’s chief pharmacist and chief health officer are also working to expand the range of vaccines pharmacists can offer through changes to the Vaccinations by Pharmacists Standard. This includes RSV vaccine Abrysvo for use in pregnancy available under the National Immunisation Program.

Other components of the pharmacy trial, including the treatment of minor skin conditions, are still ongoing at participating trial pharmacies in the ACT.