The Victorian Government has announced that, from July, the script-free service will be available to women aged over 18 at 850 participating Chemist Care Now pharmacies, of which there are eight in Shepparton and Mooroopna.
Pharmacists will need to complete a postgraduate training module in order to deliver the free consultations to the public, with the only expense to women being the cost of the medication.
Before dispensing the medication, pharmacists must outline risks during a thorough consultation, as well as provide advice about alternative contraception options.
The change aims to save women time and expand access for those in rural and remote areas where getting to a GP is more challenging.
“Accessing contraception should not be a burden for women,” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Chemist Care Now began as a pilot program in 2023.
Since, more than 76,000 services for the treatment and care of common conditions have been delivered across Victoria.
One of those services is a resupply of an existing oral contraceptive pill prescription, which has been accessed by 17,000 women to date.
Chemist Care Now will grow to include another 23 treatments, including the resupply of hormone replacement therapy, across the next two years.
Treatments for uncomplicated UTIs, skin conditions, such as shingles, and travel vaccines are currently available.
To find a Chemist Care Now pharmacy, click here.
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