Short answer
In South Australia a pharmacist can vaccinate anyone aged 5 and over (and younger children for some vaccines), treat an uncomplicated UTI in women aged 18 to 65, and resupply your regular contraception without a script. Since 2026, pharmacists with extra qualifications can also prescribe for 12 common conditions such as shingles, ear infections and reflux.
At a glance
Vaccinations
Trained pharmacists in South Australia can give vaccines to people aged 5 and over. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free at participating pharmacies if you're eligible, though a pharmacy can charge a fee for giving a vaccine to a child under 5. Pharmacists can also give some funded vaccines to children from 6 months, such as the flu vaccine.
Travel vaccines like hepatitis A and B and typhoid are available at many pharmacies too. You pay for those. Get them 6 to 12 weeks before you leave, because some need more than one dose.
UTI treatment without a doctor
Women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (burning when you wee, needing to go often) can see a trained pharmacist. If you meet the criteria, the pharmacist can treat it on the spot, with no prescription needed.
The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms and health first. They'll refer you to a GP or other service if the infection might be more serious, if it keeps coming back, or if the symptoms point to something else.
Contraception without a script
If you've used the same approved contraception for at least 2 years and a doctor (or other prescriber) has reviewed it in the last 2 years, a trained pharmacist can resupply it without a new prescription.
Trans, gender-diverse and non-binary people assigned female at birth can use the service too. The pharmacist will run through a short health check each time.
Pharmacist prescribing for common conditions
Since early 2026, pharmacists in South Australia who have finished an approved postgraduate qualification can assess and treat these conditions, including writing a prescription where it's needed:
- Mild plaque psoriasis flare-ups
- Minor wounds
- Nausea and vomiting from gastro
- Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear)
- Middle ear infection
- Hay fever and other rhinitis
- Reflux and heartburn (GORD)
- Shingles
- School sores (impetigo)
- Mild muscle and joint pain
- Mild to moderate acne
- Mild to moderate eczema
They can also start you on contraception, help with weight management, quitting smoking and travel health, and check your oral health and apply fluoride.
Only some pharmacies offer this so far, with more joining through 2026 and early 2027. Not every pharmacist can do it: ask whether the pharmacist is authorised, or check the state's public register of authorised pharmacists. Ongoing care for chronic conditions isn't part of the scheme.
What any pharmacist can do
- Supply a few days of a regular medicine in an emergency 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
- Advise on minor illnesses and over-the-counter medicines, and tell you when to see a doctor
A handful of pharmacies in Adelaide are open 24 hours, every day of the year.
What it costs
National Immunisation Program vaccines are free for eligible people at participating pharmacies. For children under 5 a pharmacy can still charge a fee for giving the vaccine, so ask first. For UTI treatment, contraception resupply and prescribing for common conditions, the pharmacy can charge a consultation fee plus the cost of the medicine. They should tell you the cost before you start. Fees vary, so ask when you call.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Services differ from pharmacy to pharmacy, so call ahead. In an emergency call 000.