Question
Number
694
Subject
Health
( Access to Early Shingles Treatment Through ACT Pharmacies and Pharmacist Prescribing Rights)
( Access to Early Shingles Treatment Through ACT Pharmacies and Pharmacist Prescribing Rights)
Asked by
Cain, Peter
Directed to
Minister for Health
Question asked on
29 September 2025
Answer due on
23 November 2025
Question asked
- Why are pharmacists in the ACT not currently authorised to initiate antiviral treatment for early-stage shingles, despite the condition being included in the ACT pharmacy minor ailments trial.
- What clinical governance or safety concerns prevent pharmacists from autonomously prescribing antivirals for shingles, and how do these compare to the protocols used for other pharmacist-led treatments such as urinary tract infections and eczema.
- How many ACT pharmacies are currently participating in the minor ailments trial that includes shingles, and what proportion of the ACT population has practical access to this service.
- What metrics is the ACT Government using to evaluate the success of the pharmacy minor ailments trial and will these inform future expansion of pharmacist prescribing rights for shingles treatment.
- What steps is the ACT Government taking to ensure timely and equitable access to early shingles treatment, particularly for patients who face barriers to accessing a general practitioner within the critical 72-hour treatment window.
- Is the ACT Government considering legislative reform to expand pharmacist prescribing rights for antiviral medications; if so, what is the expected timeline for consultation and implementation.