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What pharmacists can do in the ACT

Last checked 3 min read

Short answer

In the ACT a trained pharmacist can give the flu vaccine from age 2 and most other vaccines from age 5, treat an uncomplicated UTI in women aged 18 to 65, and resupply your regular contraception without a script. Some pharmacies can now also treat eczema, school sores, shingles and mild psoriasis.

At a glance

VaccinationsFlu from age 2 · HPV from 10 · most others from 5No script
UTI treatmentWomen 18 to 65No script
Contraception resupplyWomen 18 to 49 on the same method for 2 yearsNo script
Skin conditionsEczema, school sores, shingles, psoriasis · some pharmaciesNo script

Vaccinations

Pharmacists in the ACT can give the flu vaccine from age 2 (it was age 5 until 2026), HPV from age 10 and most other vaccines from age 5, including travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid. The shingles vaccine is for adults 18 and over.

If you're eligible for a free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program, ask whether the pharmacy offers it free or whether you should go to your GP.

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UTI treatment without a doctor

Women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection can see a trained pharmacist, who can treat it without a prescription if you meet the criteria. This has been part of regular pharmacy practice in the ACT since 2025.

The pharmacist will refer you to a GP if you aren't eligible or the infection might be more serious.

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Contraception without a script

If you're 18 to 49 and a doctor or nurse practitioner has prescribed the same contraception for the past 2 years, a trained pharmacist can resupply it without a new prescription. For one method the age range is narrower, 25 to 39.

ACT pharmacists can't start you on contraception or switch you to a different type. For that, see your GP.

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Skin conditions

Trained pharmacists at participating pharmacies can now treat:

Eczema (mild to moderate)6 months to 65 years
School sores (impetigo)12 months and over
Shingles18 and over
Mild plaque psoriasis18 and over

Only a few pharmacies offer this so far, so call first. The ACT has said it is working on letting trained pharmacists treat muscle and joint pain, reflux, hay fever, acne and nausea too. Check with your pharmacy before relying on it.

What any pharmacist can do

  • Help with an emergency supply of a regular medicine if you've run out and can't see your doctor
  • For some regular PBS medicines, such as asthma, diabetes, heart, cholesterol and contraceptive pill medicines, supply one more pack without a script when you're stable and can't get a new one in time. This can be done once in 12 months (continued dispensing)
  • Fill valid eScripts and paper scripts from your doctor or other prescriber
  • Give a certificate for a day off work for a minor illness
  • Advise on minor illnesses and over-the-counter medicines, and tell you when to see a doctor

What it costs

For UTI treatment, contraception and skin conditions, you may pay for both the consultation and the medicine. Fees are set by each pharmacy, so ask before you start.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Services differ from pharmacy to pharmacy, so call ahead. In an emergency call 000.

Pharmacists in the ACT: common questions

Can a pharmacist treat a UTI in Canberra?

Yes. Trained pharmacists in the ACT can treat an uncomplicated UTI in women aged 18 to 65 without a prescription, if you meet the criteria.

Can a pharmacist resupply my contraception without a prescription in the ACT?

Yes, a resupply of the same contraception if you're 18 to 49 and it's been prescribed for you for the past 2 years. ACT pharmacists can't start or change your contraception.

From what age can a pharmacist give my child a flu shot in the ACT?

From age 2, since 2026. Most other vaccines can be given by a pharmacist from age 5.

Can a pharmacist treat eczema in the ACT?

At participating pharmacies, yes. Trained pharmacists can treat mild to moderate eczema from 6 months to 65 years. Only a few pharmacies offer it so far, so call ahead.