New study explores the communication needs of Australian pharmacist immunisers

A paper published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice reveals insights into the experiences of Australian pharmacist immunisers and their communication and information support needs.

The paper, co-led by NCIRS social science experts and pharmacist researchers from the University of Canberra, thematically analysed qualitative interviews with pharmacist immunisers working primarily in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory across 3 pharmacy sectors: community pharmacy, aged care and general practice. Participants reported that they primarily vaccinated adults and older people. 
 

Insights from pharmacist immunisers

While participants reported confidence in patient care and vaccination skills, they highlighted a need for further clinical guidance and support in developing communication strategies. They suggested scenario-based training and tools, delivered through formats such as webinars or podcasts, to build skills and confidence in addressing vaccine misinformation and other emotional concerns.  

Participants praised existing professional resources, such as state health websites and the Australian Immunisation Handbook, for being informative, accessible and easy to navigate. 

However, they reported a lack of concise, visually engaging vaccine education materials for patients and identified the need for resources tailored to older adults, aged care residents, people with limited health literacy and culturally diverse communities. 
 

Pharmacists’ expanding role in vaccine delivery

The study findings are particularly relevant as pharmacists continue to take on an increasingly important role in vaccine delivery across Australia. 

In 2024, the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) initiative was established, enabling National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines to be administered in a community pharmacy to people aged 5 years and over at no out-of-pocket cost. 

To help address declining uptake of NIP vaccines in children and adolescents, from 1 January 2027, the NIPVIP will expand [PDF] to allow children under 5 years of age to access vaccinations in pharmacies. In some states and territories, additional vaccines are available from community pharmacies.
 

Supporting pharmacist immunisers

Pharmacist immunisers are well known in their community, particularly in rural settings and residential aged care homes, and offer valued advice and accessible vaccinations. Understanding their communication and information needs is essential to supporting effective vaccine delivery, patient engagement and informed decision-making. 

‘Pharmacist-led immunisation is an important immunisation service delivery option in Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas where general practice is the least accessible, and in residential aged care homes where pharmacist immunisers are playing an increasingly important role,’ noted Dr Kasia Bolsewicz, lead author and NCIRS Social Science Research Fellow. 

Although evidence-based vaccine communication support for health professionals and concise vaccine education materials for patients exist, including the Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation website and NCIRS resources, the study revealed that further dissemination of these tools to pharmacist immunisers is critical. 

‘We want to continue to ensure that pharmacist immunisers are supported in their immunisation communication skills. Understanding what works well and the current gaps and challenges will help to inform evidence-based communication resources for both pharmacist immunisers and patients,’ said Dr Bolsewicz. 

Dr Mary Bushell, study co-author and Clinical Associate Professor and Discipline Lead in Pharmacy at the University of Canberra, added that ‘participants working in remote areas or as sole operators also indicated that peer forums and integrated professional networks to share knowledge with other pharmacist immunisers would support their confidence in vaccine communication’. 

As the role of pharmacist immunisers in Australia continues to evolve, further research should explore sector-specific challenges, including the experiences of pharmacist immunisers in aged care settings, to inform the development of communication resources and training modules tailored to their needs.

Read the study