Updates
- The Victorian Government is expanding the role of community pharmacists under the Community Pharmacist Program.
- The program allows participating pharmacies to treat some health conditions without the patient needing to have a prescription.
- Over the next two years, additional common health conditions and well-being services will be introduced to the Community Pharmacist Program, bringing the total to 22 services pharmacists can offer.
- Most consultations are free for patients. Medication supplied under the Community Pharmacist Program will be at full price.
- From November 2025, the Community Pharmacist Program will be promoted to the Victorian community as Chemist Care Now.
- Participating pharmacists will be informed about new clinical streams and how to prepare as the new services become available.
The Community Pharmacist Program allows Victorians to receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.
Participating and appropriately trained community pharmacists are able to provide certain Schedule 4 medications under a structured prescribing model for:
- Treatment for shingles
- Resupply for treatment of a flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis
- Resupply of select oral contraceptive pills without a prescription
- Treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections
In addition, participating pharmacist immunisers can provide some vaccinations for travel and other health vaccines including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and typhoid.
Reviewed 14 November 2025
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