December 21st, 2025Chemist Care Now program expands

Victorians will now be able to get more conditions treated at the chemist – with the expansion of the Chemist Care Now program.

With consultations remaining free, busy families will now be able to seek treatment for the common skin infection impetigo, known as ‘school sores’ – making it easier to get their kids the care they need. 

Access to affordable and convenient care for Victorian women will be strengthened, with the addition of two new hormonal contraceptives options – the injectable depot and the vaginal ring – available for resupply, without needing a prescription.

Women experiencing menopause will also benefit, with pharmacists able to provide a resupply of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without a prescription later next year.

Over the next two years, Chemist Care Now will grow to include 22 treatments for common health conditions – with participating pharmacists able to undertake short-form training to deliver each new service.

It builds on the existing program which currently offers treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin conditions such as shingles, travel vaccines including hepatitis A and B, and the resupply of the contraceptive pill.

The program has delivered more than 66,000 services at more than 800 pharmacies across Victoria since the pilot began.

The Graduate Certificate of Pharmacist Prescribing at Monash University is a new training pathway for more pharmacists to participate.

The course is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and adds to courses developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and other training organisations.

To find a participating pharmacy, please visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about-chemist-care-now.