Victoria is piloting a new approach to making healthcare more accessible. 

A 12-month pilot is allowing Victorians to receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first. 

It particularly benefits women and people living in areas where it is hard to get a general practitioner (GP) appointment. 

The pilot is running until October 2024. 

During this time you can attend a pharmacy for treatment of some common health conditions:

• Women can get more supply of a contraceptive pill they are already using without needing a prescription.
• Women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections can access antibiotics for treatment. 

• Treatment is available for flare ups of mild plaque psoriasis

• Treatment is available for shingles

• COMING SOON – Pharmacists can provide some more vaccinations and advice for overseas travel, for travel and more public health vaccines including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and typhoid. 

For information about how to find the right care, in the right place, at the right time, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/find-right-care.

What does this pilot program mean for me?

The program is part of the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot launched in late October 2023. It enables greater access for women to gain support Urinary Tract Infections and the Oral Contraceptive Pill (and travel health coming soon) where it’s hard to get a general practitioner (GP) appointment.

Walk in appointments available but are not guaranteed. Booked appointments are available.