National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) and State-funded Programs
The National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program will commence on 1 January 2024. This is a Commonwealth funded program, that allows eligible people to access free National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines from Queensland Health registered Pharmacy Vaccination Service Providers (VSPs), with no out-of-pocket costs.
More information, including program rules and reimbursement rates can be found at National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program - Pharmacy Programs Administrator
Understanding the Immunisation Schedule Queensland
The National Immunisation Program Schedule shows which vaccines people get and when, from birth through to adulthood. The Queensland Government funds some additional vaccines to what is included on the National Immunisation Program Schedule. The Immunisation Schedule Queensland shows both National and state-funded vaccines, therefore, Queensland Pharmacy VSPs should refer to this to ensure that eligibility is appropriately considered for people living in Queensland.
All vaccines listed in the Immunisation Schedule Queensland are free, and eligibility for these vaccines is linked to the eligibility for Medicare benefits. Pharmacists will not be able to charge patients a fee or co-payment for the administration of NIP-funded vaccines.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook may recommend vaccines for some cohorts not covered under the National Immunisation Schedule or State-funded programs. This may include vaccines for travel or occupational risks. NIP-funded vaccines cannot be administered for cohorts not eligible under the National Schedule or as part of state-funded programs. Pharmacists may still administer the vaccines in line with the Extended Practice Authority 'Pharmacists', but will need to procure the stock privately. Patients may be charged a fee for the vaccine and/or for the administration of private market vaccines.
Ordering NIP and state-funded vaccines
From 1 January 2024, Queensland Community Pharmacy VSPs can order select NIP and state-funded vaccines from the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP), providing they have an approved Queensland Health Vaccine Management Protocol (VMP). Queensland Community Pharmacies that are not registered as a VSP and do not have an approved VMP will not be able to order NIP and state-funded vaccines from QHIP.
The Public Health Unit (PHU) within your pharmacy’s area is a key point of contact and support for all aspects of vaccine management relating to both NIP and state-funded vaccination programs. The PHU will be responsible for reviewing and approving your VMP.
Refer to the Public Health Units page for contact details and further information.
To order NIP vaccines, you will need to complete the Pharmacy Vaccine Order Form and email it to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au. Orders will be accepted from the commencement of the program from 1 January 2024. Vaccines that will be available for order by
Vaccines available for order by Queensland Pharmacy VSPs from QHIP include:
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Boostrix/Adacel)
- Herpes Zoster (Shingrix)
- Human Papilloma Virus (Gardasil 9)
- Influenza (seasonal)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMRII/Priorix)
- Meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix)
- Meningococcal B (Bexsero)
- Pneumococcal (Prevenar 13, Pneumovax 23)
Pharmacy VSPs can order NIP and state-funded vaccines monthly, except during the peak influenza season where influenza vaccine orders can be placed up to weekly.
It is recommended that pharmacies order no more than 6 weeks of stock at a time. If you are ordering excessive quantities, or more frequently than monthly (with the exception of ordering during the influenza season) your order may not be processed.
Please allow up to 3–5 working days for processing and delivery of orders. Once your order is dispatched from the warehouse a notification will be sent to the registered email address.
Registering with Queensland Health as a Pharmacy Vaccination Service Provider
You can submit any enquiries about registering as a Pharmacy Vaccination Service provider by emailing QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.
Administering NIP and state-funded vaccines
You must ensure that all personal information (Medicare number, name, contact details, date of birth and gender) is correct and up to date. Pharmacist immunisers are required to check the AIR prior to administration of vaccines, as well as report all NIP vaccines administered to the AIR within 24 hours, and no more than 10 working days after the vaccination.
The Extended Practice Authority ‘Pharmacists’ Appendix 2, outlines the vaccines that can be administered by Pharmacists in Queensland, under this authority. Vaccination providers must ensure that NIP and state funded vaccines are only administered to those that are eligible.
For more information about vaccine management, visit the order, store and manage vaccines webpage.
Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) and Vaccination Errors
Under the Public Health Act 2005, events following immunisation are a notifiable condition. It is very important that all AEFI are reported, particularly if serious or unexpected, as this will enable vaccine safety issues to be identified and managed appropriately as soon as possible.
Notify all AEFI to Queensland Health by completing an Adverse Events Following Immunisation Reporting Form (PDF 390 kB).
Vaccination administration errors (VAEs) can occur because of errors in vaccine preparation, handling, storage or administration and can be associated with immunisation error-related reactions. Identification and follow-up of VAEs can identify and correct immunisation error-related reactions in a timely manner, and essential to ensuring the quality and safety of a vaccination service.
It is the responsibility of the immunisation provider to manage VAEs and should seek advice from their Public Health Unit if required. VAEs that result in a suspected adverse event following immunisation, must be reported to Queensland Health.
For more information, visit Adverse event following immunisation | Queensland Health webpage.
Providing offsite vaccination
If you wish to provide vaccination outside of the pharmacy setting, please refer to the Extended Practice Authority 'Pharmacists' for locations that are approved under current state legislation. If you wish to vaccinate outside of these approved locations, you will need to apply for approval. More information regarding this can be found at General approvals | Queensland Health
Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) and Vaccination Errors
Under the Public Health Act 2005, events following immunisation are a notifiable condition. It is very important that all AEFI are reported, particularly if serious or unexpected, as this will enable vaccine safety issues to be identified and managed appropriately as soon as possible.
Notify all AEFI to Queensland Health by completing an Adverse Events Following Immunisation Reporting Form (PDF 390 kB).
Vaccination administration errors (VAEs) can occur because of errors in vaccine preparation, handling, storage or administration and can be associated with immunisation error-related reactions. Identification and follow-up of VAEs can identify and correct immunisation error-related reactions in a timely manner, and is essential to ensuring the quality and safety of a vaccination service.
It is the responsibility of the immunisation provider to manage VAEs and should seek advice from their Public Health Unit if required. VAEs that result in a suspected adverse event following immunisation, must be reported to Queensland Health.
For more information, visit Adverse event following immunisation | Queensland Health webpage.
Claiming for state-funded programs
2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program
In 2024, Queensland Pharmacies will be able to claim reimbursement for NIP influenza where it is not covered under the NIPVIP arrangement. Please see 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program | Queensland Health for further information on how to claim for this reimbursement.
Queensland MenB Vaccination Program
Pharmacies in Queensland will be able to claim reimbursement of $18.85 for each meningococcal B vaccination administered under the Queensland state-funded program. You will not be able to charge a fee to the patient for administration of this vaccine. Reimbursement for menB vaccines administered under NIP eligibility criteria should be claimed for through the NIPVIP program.
To obtain reimbursement for administered menB vaccines, please use the following documentation, ensuring you have met all submission requirements. Alternatively pharmacies that use MedAdvisor can claim through the Pharmacy Guild of Australia using the same process as the 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program.
Invoicing Queensland Health for meningococcal B Vaccination reimbursement (PDF 157 kB)
Reconciliation Declaration - Request for payment for meningococcal B vaccinations (PDF 313 kB)
Submissions for reimbursement should be made no more frequently than fortnightly.
Please see Queensland MenB Vaccination Program | Queensland Health for further information about the MenB Program.
For further information, please email immunisation@health.qld.gov.au
Summary of reimbursement available to Queensland community pharmacies in 2024
| Vaccine Type (current as at 21/02/2024) | Where to claim reimbursement | Reimbursement per vaccine administered |
|---|---|---|
| NIP 6 months to <5 years | Queensland Health | $18.85 |
| NIP 5 years and over | Commonwealth (NIPVIP) | $18.85 |
| NIP influenza administered in non-pharmacy setting i.e. RACF | Queensland Health | $18.85 |
| Private Market Influenza (all brands) | Queensland Health | $25.00 |
| Vaccine Type (current as at 21/02/2024) | Where to claim reimbursement | Reimbursement per vaccine administered |
|---|---|---|
| Infants to 12 months and catch-ups for 12 months to <2 years old | Not in scope under current EPA | - |
| Adolescents (15-19 years old) | Queensland Health | $18.85 |
| NIP Meningococcal B | Commonwealth (NIPVIP) | $18.85 |
| Vaccine Type (current as at 21/02/2024) | Where to claim reimbursement | Reimbursement per vaccine administered |
|---|---|---|
| MM*1 | Commonwealth | $27.50 |
| MM*2 | Commonwealth | $30.65 |
| Vaccine Type (current as at 21/02/2024) | Where to claim reimbursement | Reimbursement per vaccine administered |
|---|---|---|
|
5 years and over (where administered in a pharmacy setting) | Commonwealth (NIPVIP) | $18.85 |
| <5 years old (or >5 years outside of pharmacy setting) | Nil reimbursement available | - |
| Vaccine Type (current as at 21/02/2024) | Where to claim reimbursement | Reimbursement per vaccine administered |
|---|---|---|
| Non-NIP Vaccines | Private market stock | - |
Program enquiries
For further information, please email immunisation@health.qld.gov.au
Additional information
Legislation, standards and extended practice authorities | Queensland Health
The Australian Immunisation Handbook | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) | Queensland Health
Order, store and manage vaccines | Queensland Health
National Immunisation Program Schedule | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care