81043 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

81043 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has occurred to achieve the initiative 'Implement the Enabling Pharmacies Project to onboard pharmacies through a streamlined process to deliver childhood immunisation. This commenced in April 2024 and will be a phased implementation across three years' included on page 11 of High Level Implementation Plans - Achieving the Health Targets, as at 16 December 2024?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that as of 16 December 2024, 231 pharmacists have registered for the extending vaccinator skills (whole-of-life) training, with 90 having completed the training. I am further advised that 52 pharmacists are now authorised vaccinators, of whom 46 can now independently vaccinate children from three years of age, and, under supervision, vaccinate those aged between six weeks and two years. An additional six pharmacists can now independently vaccinate children from six weeks, as they have completed both the workbook and pēpē clinical assessment. I am also advised that regional pharmacy engagement leads are in place to work locally to support and onboard pharmacies.