Community Pharmacist Program

Eligibility, application process and resources for pharmacists.

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Chemist Care Now

In Victoria, chemists are now treating more conditions without the need for patients to visit the GP to get a prescription. Find your nearest participating chemist and available treatments at Chemist Care Now.

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Updates

  • The Victorian Government is expanding the role of community pharmacists under the Community Pharmacist Program.
  • The Community Pharmacist Program allows participating pharmacies to treat certain health conditions without the patient needing to get a prescription.
  • The Community Pharmacist Program is expanding to a total of 23 common health conditions and well-being services pharmacists can offer.
  • The expansion commenced in December 2025, and is continuing throughout 2026.
  • From July 2026, pharmacists will be able to initiate the oral contraceptive pill.
  • Pharmacists who have completed an accredited postgraduate Pharmacist Prescriber course can now participate in the Program.
  • Participating pharmacists will be informed about new clinical services and how to prepare as the new services become available.

The Community Pharmacist Program (the Program) allows Victorians to receive certain treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.

Participating and appropriately trained community pharmacists can provide certain Schedule 4 medications under a structured prescribing model for:

  • management of acute, mild musculoskeletal pain
  • initiation of the oral contraceptive pill
  • resupply of select type of hormonal contraception including some oral contraceptive pills, the vaginal ring and the depot injection
  • resupply for treatment of a flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis
  • treatment for impetigo
  • treatment for shingles
  • 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.

Community Pharmacist Program – Resources for pharmacists

Key resources for participating pharmacists and pharmacies.

Application - Community Pharmacist Program

Information for pharmacies about the eligibility criteria and submitting an application to join the Chemist Care Now program.

Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot: Summary report

An independent evaluation of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot was conducted in late 2024. This report shares outcomes from the pilot’s first 12 months of operation, along with key findings from the evaluation.

Updated

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