Short answer
In Victoria, trained pharmacists at participating chemists can treat uncomplicated UTIs, start or resupply contraception, and treat shingles, school sores, acne, eczema, psoriasis, muscle and joint pain and reflux. The consultation is free; you pay for anything supplied. Free National Immunisation Program vaccines are available at pharmacies from age 5.
At a glance
Free consultations at participating chemists
Victoria runs a permanent program, often advertised in-store as Chemist Care Now, where trained pharmacists can assess and treat common conditions without a GP visit. More than 900 chemists take part. The consultation is free and you don't need a Medicare card. Expect a private chat of roughly a quarter to half an hour, and some chemists ask you to book.
These services are available, with these age limits:
The program is growing to more conditions through 2026. With your consent, the pharmacist will let your GP know about any treatment, and follow-up with a GP is always recommended.
Vaccinations
Registered pharmacies give free National Immunisation Program vaccines to eligible people aged 5 and over, with no out-of-pocket cost. Pharmacist immunisers can also give travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid. For travel vaccines you pay for the vaccine and may pay a service fee.
What any pharmacist can do
- Supply up to 3 days of a regular medicine in an emergency if you've run out and can't get a new prescription in time
- 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
What it costs
You pay nothing for the consultation for any of the treatment services above. Travel health visits are the exception and may come with a fee. The medicine isn't subsidised, so you pay the chemist's full price, which can be more than with a PBS prescription, and it doesn't count towards the PBS Safety Net.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Services differ from pharmacy to pharmacy, so call ahead. In an emergency call 000.