Driving higher vaccination rates
Tracks
Track 2
| Saturday, August 2, 2025 |
| 11:30 AM - 12:10 PM |
| C2.2 + C2.3 |
Details
Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, coverage rates for key immunisations—including HPV, pertussis, RSV, pneumococcal, and shingles—remain suboptimal in many communities, particularly among First Nations people and hard-to-reach populations. This fast-paced session will equip pharmacists with evidence-based communication techniques to improve vaccine confidence and acceptance. Through rapid-fire case scenarios, learn how to apply tailored, effective interventions that address hesitancy, promote equity, and drive real change in vaccination uptake.
Learning objectives
- Identify key barriers to vaccine uptake, including hesitancy and access challenges in priority populations.
- Discuss evidence-based communication techniques that increase vaccine confidence and acceptance.
- Recognise interventions that can be applied in pharmacy settings to improve vaccination rates.
- Describe strategies to enhance vaccine access and equity, particularly hard-to-reach groups.
Competency standards (2016): 1.6, 3.1, 3.6
Speakers
Mr Peter Guthrey
Senior Pharmacist - Strategic Policy
PSA
Driving higher vaccination rates
Biography
Peter Guthrey holds the position of Senior Pharmacist, Strategic Policy at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Peter supports policy development, advocacy activities, media, regulatory submissions and practice advice.
Peter has driven key PSA policy work, including Pharmacists in 2023, Pharmacists in 2030 and PSA's medicine safety agenda, including PSA's flagship Medicine Safety report series.
Peter has over 17 years’ experience in pharmacy policy, regulation, advocacy, quality management and community pharmacy practice.
Peter maintains practice as a community pharmacist, working after-hours at Melbourne’s Ascot Vale Pharmacy.
