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What pharmacists can do in Western Australia

Last checked 3 min read

Short answer

In Western Australia a trained pharmacist can give vaccines from age 5 (flu from age 2), treat a low-risk UTI in women aged 18 to 65, and resupply contraception for women aged 16 to 39. WA pharmacists work under set protocols; they can't write prescriptions or start contraception.

At a glance

VaccinationsAge 5 and over · flu from age 2No script
UTI treatmentWomen 18 to 65, low riskNo script
Contraception resupplyWomen 16 to 39 on the same method for 2 yearsNo script

Vaccinations

Trained pharmacists in WA can vaccinate people aged 5 and over, and can give the flu vaccine from age 2 (lowered in March 2026). Free National Immunisation Program vaccines are available at pharmacies for eligible people aged 5 and over. For other vaccines you pay for the vaccine and an administration fee.

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UTI treatment without a doctor

Trained pharmacists can treat a low-risk urinary tract infection in women aged 18 to 65. You'll be referred to a GP instead if you're pregnant or recently gave birth, have had a UTI in the last 6 months (or two in a year), have diabetes or kidney disease, have recently been treated for an infection or travelled overseas, or have symptoms that suggest something else.

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Contraception without a script

If you're 16 to 39, have used the same contraception continuously for at least 2 years, and a GP or nurse practitioner prescribed it in the last 2 years, a trained pharmacist can resupply it.

Aged 16 to 17One resupply, up to 4 months
Aged 18 to 39Up to 12 months, within 2 years of your last review

It has to be exactly what you were prescribed before. To start something new or change, see your GP.

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What's changing

WA has announced a pilot in which trained pharmacists will treat 17 more common conditions. Pharmacists are training for it now, but the law change it needs is still going through, so for now WA pharmacists can't treat the wider list available in some other states.

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 script 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

Pharmacies can charge for UTI and contraception services. The pharmacist must explain the cost first and let you know that bulk-billing GPs offer free consultations.

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

Pharmacists in Western Australia: common questions

Can a pharmacist treat a UTI in WA?

Yes. Trained pharmacists can treat a low-risk UTI in women aged 18 to 65. Some people, such as pregnant women or anyone with a recent UTI, will be referred to a GP.

Can a pharmacist resupply my contraception without a prescription in WA?

Yes, if you're 16 to 39 and have used the same contraception for at least 2 years with a prescription in the last 2 years. WA pharmacists can't start a new method.

From what age can a pharmacist give a flu shot in WA?

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

Can WA pharmacists prescribe?

Not yet. They provide certain treatments under set protocols. A pilot of pharmacist prescribing for more conditions is being set up but hasn't started yet.