Victoria’s Community Pharmacist Program (CPP) has transitioned from pilot to an ongoing service and is now being promoted to the public under the Chemist Care Now banner. The program enables appropriately trained community pharmacists to manage selected common conditions under a structured prescribing model and to deliver additional vaccinations. This short update summarises what’s available now, what pharmacies need to have in place, and what patients and local clinics should expect as the rollout becomes more visible in November 2025. See the Victorian Department of Health resource hub: Community Pharmacist Program — resources for pharmacists.
Key Summary
- Current CPP services: treatment/resupply for selected conditions (e.g., shingles, uncomplicated UTI in women, selected OCP resupply, mild plaque psoriasis flare resupply) and additional vaccinations via trained pharmacist immunisers.
- Structured prescribing: Schedule 4 medicines supplied by trained pharmacists under defined protocols and eligibility criteria; routine information-sharing with the patient’s usual GP (with consent).
- Program status: pilot concluded in mid-2025; CPP continues as an ongoing program with public-facing Chemist Care Now branding and staged service expansion over time.
What the CPP Covers Right Now (November 2025)
Participating pharmacies can provide condition-specific treatment or resupply services for a defined list of presentations under departmental clinical protocols. As of November 2025, the list includes:
- Shingles (assessment and supply for eligible adults).
- Uncomplicated UTI in women (strict inclusion/exclusion and red-flag criteria apply).
- Selected oral contraceptive resupply (for eligible patients where continuation is appropriate).
- Mild plaque psoriasis — flare resupply (where parameters are met).
In addition, trained pharmacist immunisers may deliver a broader range of travel and other vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A/B, poliomyelitis, typhoid), subject to scope and training requirements set out in the Department of Health resources.
The public-facing name Chemist Care Now will appear across consumer information, with pharmacies expected to provide clear signage and digital booking information to help patients understand what is in scope — and when a referral to a GP or urgent care is the safer option.
What Pharmacies Need to Do (Governance, Training, Operations)
Training & credentialling
Pharmacists must complete the relevant training modules for each CPP service and, where vaccinations are delivered, meet pharmacist immuniser training requirements. Pharmacies should maintain a clear internal register of each pharmacist’s current capabilities and scope.
Clinical governance & documentation
The Department provides a pharmacist information pack and service-specific documents to support consent, eligibility checks, red-flag identification, documentation and follow-up. Practices should align their SOPs, ensure template forms are up to date, and keep a robust audit trail.
Care integration with general practice
With patient consent, pharmacies are expected to notify the patient’s usual GP of the CPP intervention (e.g., diagnosis, medicine supplied, advice given). A simple digital template can make this both consistent and efficient, reducing duplication and supporting continuity of care.
Operational updates for November 2025
- Branding: update in-store signage, leaflets and booking pages to reflect Chemist Care Now.
- Stock & logistics: align inventory with expected demand for shingles, UTI, contraceptive resupply and psoriasis flare protocols.
- Billing & patient information: ensure prices are visible; some CPP services are private-pay.
What Patients & Local Clinics Should Expect
For the public, CPP means faster access to management of selected, well-defined conditions at participating pharmacies — with clear pathways to GP or urgent care where red flags are present. For local clinics and practice owners, the program’s design emphasises communication, so that interventions are visible in the patient’s record and continuity is maintained.
The program reflects a broader shift discussed in our sector overview, with community pharmacy taking on a larger role in first-line management of common conditions while remaining tightly integrated with general practice. For context, see our earlier piece: Towards 2035: Transforming Community Pharmacy.
As services expand in stages, expect periodic updates to the condition list, training, documentation and consumer materials — and make time for short internal briefings so front-of-house teams can give accurate advice about eligibility and next steps.
Conclusion
November 2025 is about visibility and consistency for the Community Pharmacist Program. Trained teams, clear SOPs, strong GP communication and straightforward patient information will make Chemist Care Now easy to navigate. As staged expansion proceeds, pharmacies that keep governance tight and staff briefed will deliver a smoother, safer experience for patients.
Disclaimer: This blog is a general overview and should not be construed as professional legal, financial or medical advice.
FAQs
- Which pharmacies can participate?
Pharmacies that meet program training, governance and operational requirements. Check the Department of Health’s CPP resources and any local listings.
- Are medicines subsidised under CPP?
Program-based medication subsidy ceased in mid-2025. Standard PBS/private arrangements and pharmacy pricing policies apply.
- Will the pharmacist notify my GP?
Yes, with your consent. CPP emphasises information-sharing with your usual GP so your care remains coordinated.
- What additional vaccines can be provided at participating pharmacies?
Subject to training and scope, pharmacist immunisers may provide a range of travel and other vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A/B, poliomyelitis, typhoid). Availability varies by site.
