Guidance for Pharmacist Immunisers – Access to pharmacist approved NIP vaccines

Pharmacist immunisers in NSW can administer a range of state and National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded vaccines.

Please refer to the vaccine eligibility table for which vaccines can be administered to eligible patients.

These vaccines can be ordered from the NSW Vaccine Centre after registering the pharmacy for a Vaccine Account Number (VAN).

Eligibility requirements for access to these NIP vaccines

Appropriately-trained pharmacist immunisers are eligible to apply for a State Vaccine Centre account if they meet all the requirements in the NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards and provide all requested information as part of the application process.
The pharmacist immuniser must ensure that they have the required knowledge for all vaccines that they intend to administer.

Applying for a Vaccine Account Number (VAN) from the State Vaccine Centre

To register for a VAN for your pharmacy, visit NSW Vaccine centre online ordering system and follow the prompts, noting that you will need to provide your pharmacy's Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) provider number, principal accredited pharmacist immuniser's AHPRA number/expiry date and confirm that all pharmacist immunisers have access to AIR to review and update vaccination records, at least two certificates of completion for the NSW Health Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management online training module, and 72 hours data logging and min and max temperature recording of your vaccine fridge. Further details are available on registering for online vaccine ordering.
If you do not already have an AIR provider number, you must apply for this first. Details are available on application to register as a vaccination provider with the AIR.

Ordering vaccines

Once a VAN has been obtained, orders for NIP funded vaccines, specific to the age groups, can be placed through the NSW Vaccine Centre. Allocation and ordering limits will apply.
Detailed instructions are available from how to order vaccines.

Acknowledging receipt and storage of delivery

All NIP vaccine deliveries must be receipted through the NSW Vaccine Centre.
Further orders will not be possible if the delivery is not receipted.
Detailed instructions are available on receiving a vaccine delivery.
All NIP and state funded vaccines must be stored separately from privately purchased vaccines and clearly labelled to ensure they are only used for patients in the eligible cohorts.

Reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Pharmacist immunisers must check each individual’s vaccination history on the AIR before administering any vaccines.
Pharmacist immunisers must report all vaccines administered to the AIR, preferably within 24 hours of administration but must be within 10 business days.
information is available on registering for access to the AIR.

Cold chain

All vaccines must be stored between +2° and +8°C according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’. For any cold chain breaches involving NIP or state funded vaccines, contact your local Public Health Unit (PHU) on 1300 066 055, to discuss the viability of the impacted NIP or state funded vaccines. These vaccines must be separated and noted 'Not for use', until further advice is received from the PHU.

Current as at: Monday 11 December 2023

Contact page owner: Immunisation