Updates
- The Victorian Government is expanding the role of community pharmacists under the Community Pharmacist Program.
- The program allows participating pharmacies to treat some health conditions without the patient needing to have a prescription.
- Over the coming years, additional common health conditions and well-being services will be introduced to the Community Pharmacist Program, bringing the total to 22 services pharmacists can offer.
- The first new services, treatment for impetigo and new hormonal contraceptives, will be available by the end of 2025.
- Pharmacists will be able to treat the skin condition impetigo (school sores) in people 24 months and older.
- The oral contraceptive services is being expanded to include two new hormonal contraceptives - depot injections and the hormonal ring. Eligibility has also been expanded.
- Most consultations are free for patients. Medication supplied under the Community Pharmacist Program will be at full price.
- From November 2025, the Community Pharmacist Program will be promoted to the Victorian community as Chemist Care Now.
- Participating pharmacists will be informed about new clinical streams and how to prepare as the new services become available.
The Community Pharmacist Program allows Victorians to receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.
Participating and appropriately trained community pharmacists are able to provide certain Schedule 4 medications under a structured prescribing model for:
- Treatment for shingles
- Resupply for treatment of a flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis
- Resupply of select oral contraceptive pills without a prescription
- Treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections
In addition, participating pharmacist immunisers can provide some vaccinations for and other health vaccines including hepatitis , hepatitis , and .\
The new services to be added by the end of 2025 are:
- Treatment for impetigo
- Resupply of some hormonal contraceptives: the depot injection and hormonal ring.
Reviewed 12 December 2025