Registered pharmacists who have successfully completed immunisation education requirements can administer vaccines to specific groups in approved settings, in accordance with the Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists (PDF 119KB) Structured Administration and Supply Arrangement (SASA).
Authority to administer vaccines
Under Part 6 of the Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016 (external site), the Chief Executive Officer of Health (Department of Health) issues SASAs that authorise registered health practitioners to administer vaccinations.
A SASA is a written direction that authorises a health practitioner to administer or supply a medicine to any patient who meets the specified circumstances and the conditions under which a health practitioner is authorised to administer or supply the medicine.
The Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists SASA authorises pharmacists trained in immunisation to administer vaccines at a suitably equipped and staffed place or premises in WA.
Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring they meet all the criteria and conditions outlined in the SASA before administering vaccines. Additional training can be accessed through the training provider if required.
Approved vaccines
The Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists SASA authorises registered pharmacists who are trained in immunisation to administer vaccines listed in Appendix 3 to persons aged 5 years and over (aged 2 years and over for influenza vaccines), in accordance with the most current published versions of the WA Immunisation Schedule and the Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site).
Recent SASA changes
In 2026, the following SASA changes related to pharmacists were made:
- On 10 March 2026, the minimum age that pharmacists could administer influenza vaccines to was lowered to 2 years in the Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists SASA.
- On 1 October 2026, COVID-19 was added as an approved vaccine to Appendix 3 in the Administration of Vaccines by Pharmacists SASA, superseding the standalone COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacy Program SASA.
- On 1 October 2026, the COVID-19 Vaccination in Community Pharmacy Program SASA was rescinded
Immunisation provider information and resources
Pharmacists should refer to immunisation provider information and resources to understand WA Health requirements, including cold chain management, vaccine ordering, mandatory reporting of administered vaccines, adverse events following immunisation, and managing vaccine incidents or wastage.
The following resources have been developed to assist pharmacists distributing private vaccines:
Mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Under the Australian Immunisation Register Act 2015, it is mandatory for immunisation providers to report all NIP, COVID-19, influenza and Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) (external site), and all vaccines administered should be reported to the AIR. Providers must ensure the correct brand name, dose number and batch number are recorded.
Additionally, as a condition of ordering government-funded vaccines through Onelink (external site), all government-funded vaccines must be reported to the AIR. Accurately reporting all vaccines administered ensures individuals have a complete and up to date vaccination history, and their health is effectively managed by providers.
For more details, refer to the Immunisation provider information and resources.
Fees and charges
Under the NIPVIP program, participating pharmacies can receive a payment per administration of free NIP-funded vaccines to people aged 5 years and older in a pharmacy setting, residential aged care, and disability homes. For further information, see National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program - Pharmacy Programs Administrator
The2026 Community Pharmacy Immunisation Payment Program (CPIPP) (external site) currently provides payments to community pharmacists in WA for the administration of specific state-funded vaccines to vulnerable older adults. The CPIPP is coordinated by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, WA Branch.
For privately purchased vaccines, pharmacists will charge a fee that includes both vaccine and administration costs.
Many private health insurers also provide pharmacies with influenza vaccines free of charge so their members can receive vaccination without an out-of-pocket expense.
Last reviewed: 01-10-2026