Registered pharmacists who have successfully completed immunisation education requirements can administer vaccines to specific client groups in approved settings, in accordance with the Structured Administration and Supply Arrangements (SASA) requirements.
The NIPVIP Program allows eligible patients to access free National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines in a community pharmacy, residential aged care and disability homes with no out-of-pocket costs.
This program expansion supports the wider immunisation program in Western Australia (WA) by providing vaccinations to eligible cohorts, thus increasing access to vaccination for the WA community.
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 Structured Administration and Supply Arrangements 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 meeting the specified circumstances, and the conditions under which a health practitioner is authorised to administer or supply the medicine.
The SASAs supporting pharmacist immunisation are:
- pharmacists administration of vaccines by pharmacists
- pharmacists administration of COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies.
Pharmacists are responsibility for ensuring they meet criteria of the relevant SASA before administering vaccines. Additional training can be accessed through the training provider if required.
Approved vaccines
These SASAs allow registered pharmacists who are trained in immunisation to administer the following Therapeutic Goods Administration-registered, government-funded WA Immunisation Schedule vaccines, provided all SASA conditions are met and the premises are suitably staffed and equipped:
- SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines for all age groups
- WA Immunisation Schedule vaccines for people aged 5 years and over
- Influenza vaccines for children aged 2 years of age and over, including both intranasal and intramuscular influenza vaccines.
Recent changes to SASAs
In 2026, the SASA for administration of vaccines by pharmacists was expanded to include influenza vaccination for children aged 2 years and over. This expansion aims to improve access to influenza immunisation for young children.
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.
Mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
It is mandatory for immunisation providers to report all government-funded vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (external site). Providers must ensure the correct brand name, dose number and batch number are recorded.
For more details, refer to the Immunisation provider information and resources page.
Fees and charges
Under the NIPVIP program, participating pharmacies can receive a payment of $20.05 per vaccination for administering NIP-funded vaccines to people aged 5 years and older in a pharmacy setting, as well as residential aged care and disability homes. Pharmacists cannot charge individuals for state-funded vaccines, but they may choose to charge an administration fee.
The 2026 Community Pharmacy Immunisation Payment Program (CPIPP) will provide payments to community pharmacies in WA for administering the following influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines not covered under the NIPVIP:
- NIP-funded influenza vaccines administered to children aged 2 to 4 years.
- State-funded intranasal influenza vaccines administered to children aged 2 to 11 years.
- State-funded intramuscular influenza vaccines administered to primary school-aged children.
- State-funded influenza vaccines administered under the Free Influenza Vaccine Program (May, June and July) for people aged 12 to 64 years who are otherwise not eligible for an NIP-funded influenza vaccine.
- State-funded respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines administered to residents of aged care homes.
In 2026, the CPIPP is being coordinated by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, WA Branch.
For privately purchased vaccines administered to people who are not eligible for government-funded vaccines, pharmacists may charge a fee that includes both the vaccine cost and the administration service.
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: 22-06-2026