Short answer
In Tasmania, trained pharmacists can treat uncomplicated UTIs in women and extend your contraception for 12 months when your prescription runs out. Since December 2025, specially credentialled pharmacists can also start contraception. More conditions are planned from late 2026.
At a glance
UTI treatment without a doctor
Since March 2024, trained pharmacists in Tasmania have been able to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. More than 130 pharmacies take part. It's for women aged 18 to 65 with the usual symptoms. The pharmacist will check whether you're eligible, and if you're younger than 18, older than 65 or your case isn't straightforward, they'll send you to a GP.
Contraception
If you're 16 to 50, have used the same contraception for more than 2 years and your prescription has run out, a trained pharmacist can extend it for up to 12 months. They can't switch you to something different, and some women 40 and over get a shorter extension. Expect to pay a consultation fee, and the supply is at private price rather than through the PBS. You'll still need to see your GP for a regular review.
Since December 2025, pharmacists with extra credentials can also assess you for, start and continue contraception if you're 16 or over.
Vaccinations
In Tasmania a pharmacist immuniser can give you a flu shot from age 2, and most other vaccines from age 5. HPV starts at 9 and shingles vaccine at 18. Registered pharmacies give free National Immunisation Program vaccines to eligible people aged 5 and over. Travel vaccines are different: you need a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner first.
Coming later in 2026
Tasmania is training pharmacists to treat more common conditions once they finish postgraduate study. The state expects these services from late 2026. They include:
- Ear infections
- Reflux and heartburn
- Hay fever and other rhinitis
- Shingles
- Eczema
- Minor wounds
- Acne
- School sores (impetigo)
- Mild muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Quit-smoking support and travel health
These aren't available yet. We'll update this page when they start.
What any pharmacist can do
- Supply up to 3 days of a regular medicine in an emergency if you can't get a prescription in time (not available for some psychotropic medicines)
- Supply one more lot of your last prescription for most regular medicines if your prescriber can't be reached and your treatment is stable, once in 12 months
- Fill eScripts and paper scripts, including from prescribers in other states
- Advise on minor illnesses and over-the-counter medicines, and tell you when to see a doctor
What it costs
Government-funded vaccines are free for eligible people at participating pharmacies, though a pharmacy can charge a fee for giving one to a child under 5. For other services, ask the pharmacy whether it charges a consultation fee and what the medicine costs 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.