td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29701 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-16 14:36:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-16 04:36:25 [post_content] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead proactive, informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. Despite a world-class immunisation framework and high levels of public trust, Australia has seen vaccination coverage fall short of its 95% target across most cohorts since 2020, said Professor Michael Kidd at the 9th Annual Immunisation Forum 2025, in his first speech Australia's new Chief Medical Officer. [caption id="attachment_29704" align="alignright" width="281"]Professor Michael Kidd[/caption] ‘If we don't halt the decline in vaccination rates and improve our vaccination coverage … we're risking more disease outbreaks, more serious illness and death among members of our most vulnerable populations, including our children and older people,’ he said. It’s a troubling trend, especially with the re-emergence of measles both locally and globally, the increase in reported cases of influenza and pertussis, and the outbreak of polio just to our north in Papua New Guinea. The good news? Pharmacists, as the most accessible health professionals, have already proven themselves to be a trusted, convenient and indispensable vaccination workforce. But there are ways to harness this accessibility, credibility and community reach to increase vaccination uptake – particularly as expanded scopes of practice and new immunisation programs roll out nationwide.
Taking every opportunity
The key to improving vaccination rates is proactive engagement, particularly during patient interactions, said pharmacist Bec Rogers. ‘One of the most effective strategies is the identification of eligible patients during dispensing,’ she said. Whether it’s offering an influenza shot to a patient collecting an asthma inhaler, or recommending a shingles vaccine to an older adult – the opportunities are endless. ‘Opportunistic conversations at the counter or in a consultation room prompt patients to take action that they may not have considered before, because the recommendation is coming from their trusted and respected health professional,’ she said. For example, in areas with a high proportion of young families, offering family-friendly vaccination clinics – which could mean extended hours or group appointments – can help remove barriers and boost participation. Other appointment types, such as medication reviews, health checks or minor ailment consultations, can be leveraged as an opportunity to identify recommended vaccines. ‘For instance, if you're in the consult room talking to someone about their cardiovascular risk, it's a great time to bring up what vaccinations they might need, such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccination,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘Our software enables us to check their immunisation history through integration with AIR to really streamline that process.’Employing marketing and communication strategies
A strong digital marketing strategy can make all the difference in driving vaccination uptake. ‘Automated SMS reminders are one of the most effective tools,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘They can be used to remind patients about upcoming appointments, boosters that might be due, or seasonal campaigns.’ Email campaigns offer another channel to reach patients who may not visit regularly. ‘They can provide more detailed information about available vaccines, eligibility criteria and also how to book,’ she said. ‘They're particularly useful for engaging with patients who may not be visiting your pharmacy as frequently as others.’ Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram extend community reach – allowing pharmacists to share timely updates, highlight new services and showcase the accessibility and professionalism of pharmacy teams. In-store signage also plays a vital role. ‘Posters, window decals and digital screens really help reinforce the message for walk-in customers,’ Ms Rogers said. As pharmacists expand their service offerings, it's crucial to promote new programs – including new NIP vaccines and travel health services. ‘This not only broadens the scope of pharmacy-based vaccination, but also creates new touchpoints for engaging with patients and improving public health outcomes,’ she said.Staying on top of legislation changes
As pharmacists administer more and more vaccinations, it’s crucial to keep pace with evolving legislation and vaccine eligibility, said immunisation nurse Georgina Lewis, manager of Victoria’s Vaccine Safety Service. ‘The NIP is forever changing,’ she said. ‘Even if you're not delivering them, you need to be able to engage with families who are interested in vaccines and be opportunistic in your recommendations.’ RSV vaccine eligibility is a particularly dynamic space. ‘We’ve got two vaccines recommended for older adults, Arexy and Abrysvo,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Both can be given at any time of year, but there's seasonality in some states and for others, it's all year round – particularly in tropical regions.’Expanding service offering through travel vaccinations
There's an expanded role for some pharmacists to provide travel vaccines, Ms Lewis said. ‘You need to be cognisant of what your legislative requirements are, and in some circumstances [these vaccinations] will be in collaboration with other healthcare providers,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘There may be a scenario where a family or individual comes in with a prescription from a GP for Hepatitis A for example, so you dispense the vaccine and then realise that perhaps you have an opportunity to administer it … which is more convenient for the patient and prevents potential cold chain issues.’ However, a conversation needs to occur with the patient's GP. ‘You also need to make sure it’s recorded in AIR so we don’t get double-ups,’ she said. Travel advice might be sought through pharmacists, which presents further vaccination opportunities when within scope. ‘It’s important to check vaccination status as part of those discussions, as you may identify gaps and opportunities to catch individuals up,’ she said. ‘And then always refer back to a GP or travel specialist as appropriate. Key questions include: Are you going somewhere? Have you had your travel vaccines? Have you spoken to your GP or a travel specialist?Co-administration and avoiding common errors
As pharmacists take on a greater role in immunisation, it’s essential to approach co-administration of vaccines with care and clinical confidence, Ms Lewis said. ‘If you're not comfortable doing more than one injection, don't do it,’ she said. ‘You're better off doing them separately or sending them somewhere where they are more confident to do that, because we don't want people coming away with the incorrect technique leading to something like a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.” The Vaccine Safety Service has received reports of shoulder injuries occurring in both pharmacy and general practice settings due to improper injection technique. ‘So it's really important you know your anatomical sites if you're going for co-administration, focusing on the deltoid which is recommended [for patients] over 12 months of age,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Injecting too high into the shoulder area can cause restricted movement and ongoing pain and suffering for individuals.’ Common vaccine errors reported to the Vaccine Safety Service also underscore the importance of vigilance. Confusion between RSV vaccine products has been observed, particularly during the initial rollout phases. ‘[There was] a bit of inadvertent administration of Arexy in pregnancy when Abrysvo wasn't on the NIP, which has settled down now,’ Ms Lewis noted. ‘But it's been replaced by Abrysvo being given to infants instead of the monoclonal antibody.’ Another avoidable issue is the administration of expired vaccines. ‘We get a lot of expired vaccine [reports],’ she said. ‘So it's another opportunity to check and get your products and storage right.’Looking ahead
The National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2025–2030, released on Thursday 12 June, outlines national consistency and public trust as key pillars in increasing vaccination rates – recommending an expanded vaccination scope for pharmacists that encompasses more NIP vaccines. This is something PSA has long advocated for. ‘Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. ‘PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action. In the meantime, the message for pharmacists is clear: continue doing what you do best – connect with your community, provide trusted care, and stay informed. ‘You're all in a fantastic position to do something about this,’ Prof Kidd said. ‘Please continue to do all you can.’ [post_title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [post_excerpt] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:40:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:40:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29701 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29706 [authorType] => )
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[post_content] => In this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, five pharmacists have been awarded prestigious Orders of Australia Medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and their local communities.
PSA congratulated the pharmacists recognised in Monday’s honours list, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29636 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-11 13:38:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-11 03:38:43 [post_content] => Following several incident reports, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued new preoperative precautions linked to these popular therapies. Last week, the TGA issued an alert over use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs) before procedures involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation. This warning extends to all medicines in these classes approved for diabetes and/or chronic weight management, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29601 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-09 14:30:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-09 04:30:54 [post_content] => Some pharmacists have recently pondered the possibility of administering cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, reaching out to PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line for guidance. ‘Now that pharmacists are injecting more medicines, and we have up-skilled to be able to do that, the next question on a lot of pharmacists’ minds is, “what about cosmetic injectables”?’ said Pooja Jadeja MPS from PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line ‘They want to know whether it’s something they can legally inject and what the regulatory requirements are.’ So can you – and should you? Australian Pharmacist investigates this prickly issue.Where can pharmacists legally administer Botox?
[caption id="attachment_28631" align="alignright" width="250"]Pooja Jadeja MPS[/caption] ‘Technically, anywhere except New South Wales,’ Ms Jadeja said. ‘But in other jurisdictions, it’s not defined in legislation whether it’s legal or not.’ Botulinum toxins – or Botox – is of course a Schedule 4 medicine. So to be lawful, a prescription would need to first be issued to the patient and dispensed.
What are the administration requirements?
While pharmacists operating outside the ‘Premier State’ could infer that they can legally administer dispensed cosmetic injections, they must question whether it is:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-04 14:04:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-04 04:04:18 [post_content] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef kitchen, where every gram and garnish matters under intense pressure. Depinder Chhibber has had a busy few years since last appearing on season 13 of MasterChef Australia in 2021. In between appearing as a special guest chef on MasterChef India in 2023 to becoming a mother to two girls – she has still found time to stick to her pharmacy roots. Ms Chhibber has even changed practice settings, moving from community pharmacy to industry, and onto hospital pharmacy when travelling with her husband for work. ‘The greatest gift I've ever received from my pharmacy degree is being able to get a job anywhere in the world,’ she said. ‘When we travelled around rural Australia, I had a job literally everywhere I went, and I couldn't be more grateful that I could work and help in those communities.’ Last year proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding years for Ms Chhibber, who balanced part-time work as a pharmacist, full-time motherhood while launching her supper club Ghar in Newcastle, New South Wales. Ghar, which translates directly to ‘home’ in Hindi, perfectly captures the vibe Ms Chhibber sought to create with her supper club.‘The food I’m serving is a sneak peek into every household in India – but elevated,’ she said. ‘Patrons are served individual portions on the same long table. Everyone interacts, because Indian food is all about community, sharing, and eating with your family and friends.’ Now, she is battling it out once again in the kitchen on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, which brought back 24 standout contestants from previous seasons to compete in advanced challenges, eliminations, and immunity tests for a second chance at the title. ‘Because I wasn't busy enough, I went out and got onto MasterChef again,’ she laughed. While Ms Chhibber said the MasterChef kitchen has the ‘same energy’ this time around, the stakes have risen. ‘It's very different from the previous season, because we're competing with people who have been in the food industry for many years and the competition is super stiff,’ she said. Australian Pharmacist sat down with Ms Chhibber to discuss how her years in pharmacy have primed her for the most competitive season of MasterChef yet.Clinical calm under kitchen pressure
During Pressure Tests, which occur during Masterchef elimination rounds, contestants must replicate a detailed recipe exactly – measuring ingredients, using precise techniques and plating as instructed. They must complete this task within a strict time limit and without any outside references – with accuracy, taste and presentation determining who stays and who goes.To get through these tough tests, Ms Chhibber draws on her experience in the demanding world of dispensing medicines in a busy pharmacy. When you’re on national television, the ‘miss one step and you’re out’ dynamic of pressure tests can be highly stressful. So too can dispensing Schedule 8 medicines, when a slight error could be career- or life-ending. ‘When you do a pressure test, you are highly focused. As much as they say you need to do one step at a time, you really need to multitask and move super fast at all times – because if you don't, you're not going to get through the recipe,’ she said. ‘As a pharmacist, you've got to multitask and work around different teams and steps. You're doing so many things at the same time – checking a script, looking over who's coming into your store and what Schedule 3 [medicine] has been handed out.’ Pharmacists are ultimately responsible for what goes on in the pharmacy, much like in a pressure test. ‘You've got a gas stove with three burners going, and at the same time you’ve got something in the oven on the other side. Then, the judges come and have a chat with you,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘Staying calm under pressure, which I’ve learned over the years as a pharmacist, has really helped me this time around.’
From drug compounds to unexpected ingredients
In a MasterChef Mystery Box Challenge, each contestant is given a sealed box containing a hidden set of ingredients – often chosen by a guest chef. They must create a complete dish using only those ingredients and a limited ‘underbench’ pantry within 75 minutes. Once time’s up, the dishes are presented to the judges, who evaluate them on creativity, technical execution and flavour – with the top performers either earning immunity or other advantages in subsequent rounds. Contestants will face entirely unknown ingredients in the mystery box, so their palate and resourcefulness really come into play, Ms Chhibber said.‘That's very similar to reading medicine labels, because there'll be some ingredients that we won't know or have never experienced. But then you consult formulary references or search for similar compounds, or a particular drug class or excipient,’ she said. ‘You rely back on the basics to get you through that particular challenge.’
Counselling skills at the judging table
When a dish is ready for tasting, contestants present it to the judges – providing a brief summary that includes the dish’s name, highlights key ingredients and techniques, and describes the intended flavours. With Ms Chhibber presenting a lot of Indian dishes, she distills her explanation just as she would when counselling a patient on a medication’s mechanism and effects.‘We talk about medical jargon in pharmacy, but there’s a lot of food-related jargon as well,’ she said. ‘So I’ve had to simplify things for the judges in terms of ingredients or techniques. They’ve got it every time, so I must be doing something right.’Balancing pharmacy passion with culinary ambitions
Although some may assume Ms Chhibber plans to pursue cooking full-time, she will always work as a pharmacist – even if only a couple of days a week. ‘I worked really hard to get to the point where I was where I am now, and it’s very hard to let that go,’ she said. She is keen, however, to offer cooking ‘masterclasses’, much like the training session she presented while working in industry as a Senior Medical Affairs associate ‘Towards the end of my time in the pharmaceutical industry, I was presenting at a lot of conferences and running training sessions for our representatives that were working out on the field,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘I think that would really resonate with running cooking classes, because it’s explaining new things to people and teaching them from the very bottom to develop those skills.’ Much like the breakfast mixer she co-hosted with PSA’s very own Chris Campbell on the ‘11 secret ingredients to the evolving role of pharmacists’ at PSA22, Ms Chhibber plans to make it fun.‘That was one of the best things I've ever done which I would love to do again. I don’t think there was anyone who wasn’t paying attention or having a good time,’ she said. ‘It’s good to spice things up to keep it interesting.’
New pharmacy horizons
In terms of pharmacy, Ms Chhibber is keen to get more involved in Opioid Dependence Treatment. ‘I’ve done a lot of methadone dosing, which I really like because we get to see the changes and development in patients over the years,’ she said. This process can take longer in some patients, who may not know how to ask for help. ‘But if they can come to a pharmacy and receive non-judgemental care, that’s something I feel quite passionate about,’ Ms Chhibber said. Since becoming a mum, she’s also keen to offer paediatric care. ‘Now I've got a lot of personal experience with children and treating them for simple things that you don’t always need a GP for, I'm always encouraging parents to bring their kids to us to see if we can do something,’ she said. ‘They'd rather come into a pharmacy so they can get care earlier than wait for hours in the emergency department.’Now that Network 10 has just issued the casting call for the next season of MasterChef Australia, Ms Chhibber encourages any other budding pharmacist chefs who are interested in cooking to give it a go. ‘Fortunately I was in a situation where my managers were very supportive and were more excited than I was,’ she said. ‘If you’ve got the right support, good stability, and can afford to do it, it's definitely worth it.’ MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play. [post_title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [post_excerpt] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:03:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:03:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29554 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29557 [authorType] => )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29701 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-16 14:36:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-16 04:36:25 [post_content] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead proactive, informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. Despite a world-class immunisation framework and high levels of public trust, Australia has seen vaccination coverage fall short of its 95% target across most cohorts since 2020, said Professor Michael Kidd at the 9th Annual Immunisation Forum 2025, in his first speech Australia's new Chief Medical Officer. [caption id="attachment_29704" align="alignright" width="281"]Professor Michael Kidd[/caption] ‘If we don't halt the decline in vaccination rates and improve our vaccination coverage … we're risking more disease outbreaks, more serious illness and death among members of our most vulnerable populations, including our children and older people,’ he said. It’s a troubling trend, especially with the re-emergence of measles both locally and globally, the increase in reported cases of influenza and pertussis, and the outbreak of polio just to our north in Papua New Guinea. The good news? Pharmacists, as the most accessible health professionals, have already proven themselves to be a trusted, convenient and indispensable vaccination workforce. But there are ways to harness this accessibility, credibility and community reach to increase vaccination uptake – particularly as expanded scopes of practice and new immunisation programs roll out nationwide.
Taking every opportunity
The key to improving vaccination rates is proactive engagement, particularly during patient interactions, said pharmacist Bec Rogers. ‘One of the most effective strategies is the identification of eligible patients during dispensing,’ she said. Whether it’s offering an influenza shot to a patient collecting an asthma inhaler, or recommending a shingles vaccine to an older adult – the opportunities are endless. ‘Opportunistic conversations at the counter or in a consultation room prompt patients to take action that they may not have considered before, because the recommendation is coming from their trusted and respected health professional,’ she said. For example, in areas with a high proportion of young families, offering family-friendly vaccination clinics – which could mean extended hours or group appointments – can help remove barriers and boost participation. Other appointment types, such as medication reviews, health checks or minor ailment consultations, can be leveraged as an opportunity to identify recommended vaccines. ‘For instance, if you're in the consult room talking to someone about their cardiovascular risk, it's a great time to bring up what vaccinations they might need, such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccination,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘Our software enables us to check their immunisation history through integration with AIR to really streamline that process.’Employing marketing and communication strategies
A strong digital marketing strategy can make all the difference in driving vaccination uptake. ‘Automated SMS reminders are one of the most effective tools,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘They can be used to remind patients about upcoming appointments, boosters that might be due, or seasonal campaigns.’ Email campaigns offer another channel to reach patients who may not visit regularly. ‘They can provide more detailed information about available vaccines, eligibility criteria and also how to book,’ she said. ‘They're particularly useful for engaging with patients who may not be visiting your pharmacy as frequently as others.’ Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram extend community reach – allowing pharmacists to share timely updates, highlight new services and showcase the accessibility and professionalism of pharmacy teams. In-store signage also plays a vital role. ‘Posters, window decals and digital screens really help reinforce the message for walk-in customers,’ Ms Rogers said. As pharmacists expand their service offerings, it's crucial to promote new programs – including new NIP vaccines and travel health services. ‘This not only broadens the scope of pharmacy-based vaccination, but also creates new touchpoints for engaging with patients and improving public health outcomes,’ she said.Staying on top of legislation changes
As pharmacists administer more and more vaccinations, it’s crucial to keep pace with evolving legislation and vaccine eligibility, said immunisation nurse Georgina Lewis, manager of Victoria’s Vaccine Safety Service. ‘The NIP is forever changing,’ she said. ‘Even if you're not delivering them, you need to be able to engage with families who are interested in vaccines and be opportunistic in your recommendations.’ RSV vaccine eligibility is a particularly dynamic space. ‘We’ve got two vaccines recommended for older adults, Arexy and Abrysvo,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Both can be given at any time of year, but there's seasonality in some states and for others, it's all year round – particularly in tropical regions.’Expanding service offering through travel vaccinations
There's an expanded role for some pharmacists to provide travel vaccines, Ms Lewis said. ‘You need to be cognisant of what your legislative requirements are, and in some circumstances [these vaccinations] will be in collaboration with other healthcare providers,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘There may be a scenario where a family or individual comes in with a prescription from a GP for Hepatitis A for example, so you dispense the vaccine and then realise that perhaps you have an opportunity to administer it … which is more convenient for the patient and prevents potential cold chain issues.’ However, a conversation needs to occur with the patient's GP. ‘You also need to make sure it’s recorded in AIR so we don’t get double-ups,’ she said. Travel advice might be sought through pharmacists, which presents further vaccination opportunities when within scope. ‘It’s important to check vaccination status as part of those discussions, as you may identify gaps and opportunities to catch individuals up,’ she said. ‘And then always refer back to a GP or travel specialist as appropriate. Key questions include: Are you going somewhere? Have you had your travel vaccines? Have you spoken to your GP or a travel specialist?Co-administration and avoiding common errors
As pharmacists take on a greater role in immunisation, it’s essential to approach co-administration of vaccines with care and clinical confidence, Ms Lewis said. ‘If you're not comfortable doing more than one injection, don't do it,’ she said. ‘You're better off doing them separately or sending them somewhere where they are more confident to do that, because we don't want people coming away with the incorrect technique leading to something like a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.” The Vaccine Safety Service has received reports of shoulder injuries occurring in both pharmacy and general practice settings due to improper injection technique. ‘So it's really important you know your anatomical sites if you're going for co-administration, focusing on the deltoid which is recommended [for patients] over 12 months of age,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Injecting too high into the shoulder area can cause restricted movement and ongoing pain and suffering for individuals.’ Common vaccine errors reported to the Vaccine Safety Service also underscore the importance of vigilance. Confusion between RSV vaccine products has been observed, particularly during the initial rollout phases. ‘[There was] a bit of inadvertent administration of Arexy in pregnancy when Abrysvo wasn't on the NIP, which has settled down now,’ Ms Lewis noted. ‘But it's been replaced by Abrysvo being given to infants instead of the monoclonal antibody.’ Another avoidable issue is the administration of expired vaccines. ‘We get a lot of expired vaccine [reports],’ she said. ‘So it's another opportunity to check and get your products and storage right.’Looking ahead
The National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2025–2030, released on Thursday 12 June, outlines national consistency and public trust as key pillars in increasing vaccination rates – recommending an expanded vaccination scope for pharmacists that encompasses more NIP vaccines. This is something PSA has long advocated for. ‘Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. ‘PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action. In the meantime, the message for pharmacists is clear: continue doing what you do best – connect with your community, provide trusted care, and stay informed. ‘You're all in a fantastic position to do something about this,’ Prof Kidd said. ‘Please continue to do all you can.’ [post_title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [post_excerpt] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:40:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:40:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29701 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29706 [authorType] => )
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[post_content] => In this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, five pharmacists have been awarded prestigious Orders of Australia Medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and their local communities.
PSA congratulated the pharmacists recognised in Monday’s honours list, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29636 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-11 13:38:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-11 03:38:43 [post_content] => Following several incident reports, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued new preoperative precautions linked to these popular therapies. Last week, the TGA issued an alert over use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs) before procedures involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation. This warning extends to all medicines in these classes approved for diabetes and/or chronic weight management, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29601 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-09 14:30:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-09 04:30:54 [post_content] => Some pharmacists have recently pondered the possibility of administering cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, reaching out to PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line for guidance. ‘Now that pharmacists are injecting more medicines, and we have up-skilled to be able to do that, the next question on a lot of pharmacists’ minds is, “what about cosmetic injectables”?’ said Pooja Jadeja MPS from PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line ‘They want to know whether it’s something they can legally inject and what the regulatory requirements are.’ So can you – and should you? Australian Pharmacist investigates this prickly issue.Where can pharmacists legally administer Botox?
[caption id="attachment_28631" align="alignright" width="250"]Pooja Jadeja MPS[/caption] ‘Technically, anywhere except New South Wales,’ Ms Jadeja said. ‘But in other jurisdictions, it’s not defined in legislation whether it’s legal or not.’ Botulinum toxins – or Botox – is of course a Schedule 4 medicine. So to be lawful, a prescription would need to first be issued to the patient and dispensed.
What are the administration requirements?
While pharmacists operating outside the ‘Premier State’ could infer that they can legally administer dispensed cosmetic injections, they must question whether it is:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-04 14:04:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-04 04:04:18 [post_content] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef kitchen, where every gram and garnish matters under intense pressure. Depinder Chhibber has had a busy few years since last appearing on season 13 of MasterChef Australia in 2021. In between appearing as a special guest chef on MasterChef India in 2023 to becoming a mother to two girls – she has still found time to stick to her pharmacy roots. Ms Chhibber has even changed practice settings, moving from community pharmacy to industry, and onto hospital pharmacy when travelling with her husband for work. ‘The greatest gift I've ever received from my pharmacy degree is being able to get a job anywhere in the world,’ she said. ‘When we travelled around rural Australia, I had a job literally everywhere I went, and I couldn't be more grateful that I could work and help in those communities.’ Last year proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding years for Ms Chhibber, who balanced part-time work as a pharmacist, full-time motherhood while launching her supper club Ghar in Newcastle, New South Wales. Ghar, which translates directly to ‘home’ in Hindi, perfectly captures the vibe Ms Chhibber sought to create with her supper club.‘The food I’m serving is a sneak peek into every household in India – but elevated,’ she said. ‘Patrons are served individual portions on the same long table. Everyone interacts, because Indian food is all about community, sharing, and eating with your family and friends.’ Now, she is battling it out once again in the kitchen on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, which brought back 24 standout contestants from previous seasons to compete in advanced challenges, eliminations, and immunity tests for a second chance at the title. ‘Because I wasn't busy enough, I went out and got onto MasterChef again,’ she laughed. While Ms Chhibber said the MasterChef kitchen has the ‘same energy’ this time around, the stakes have risen. ‘It's very different from the previous season, because we're competing with people who have been in the food industry for many years and the competition is super stiff,’ she said. Australian Pharmacist sat down with Ms Chhibber to discuss how her years in pharmacy have primed her for the most competitive season of MasterChef yet.Clinical calm under kitchen pressure
During Pressure Tests, which occur during Masterchef elimination rounds, contestants must replicate a detailed recipe exactly – measuring ingredients, using precise techniques and plating as instructed. They must complete this task within a strict time limit and without any outside references – with accuracy, taste and presentation determining who stays and who goes.To get through these tough tests, Ms Chhibber draws on her experience in the demanding world of dispensing medicines in a busy pharmacy. When you’re on national television, the ‘miss one step and you’re out’ dynamic of pressure tests can be highly stressful. So too can dispensing Schedule 8 medicines, when a slight error could be career- or life-ending. ‘When you do a pressure test, you are highly focused. As much as they say you need to do one step at a time, you really need to multitask and move super fast at all times – because if you don't, you're not going to get through the recipe,’ she said. ‘As a pharmacist, you've got to multitask and work around different teams and steps. You're doing so many things at the same time – checking a script, looking over who's coming into your store and what Schedule 3 [medicine] has been handed out.’ Pharmacists are ultimately responsible for what goes on in the pharmacy, much like in a pressure test. ‘You've got a gas stove with three burners going, and at the same time you’ve got something in the oven on the other side. Then, the judges come and have a chat with you,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘Staying calm under pressure, which I’ve learned over the years as a pharmacist, has really helped me this time around.’
From drug compounds to unexpected ingredients
In a MasterChef Mystery Box Challenge, each contestant is given a sealed box containing a hidden set of ingredients – often chosen by a guest chef. They must create a complete dish using only those ingredients and a limited ‘underbench’ pantry within 75 minutes. Once time’s up, the dishes are presented to the judges, who evaluate them on creativity, technical execution and flavour – with the top performers either earning immunity or other advantages in subsequent rounds. Contestants will face entirely unknown ingredients in the mystery box, so their palate and resourcefulness really come into play, Ms Chhibber said.‘That's very similar to reading medicine labels, because there'll be some ingredients that we won't know or have never experienced. But then you consult formulary references or search for similar compounds, or a particular drug class or excipient,’ she said. ‘You rely back on the basics to get you through that particular challenge.’
Counselling skills at the judging table
When a dish is ready for tasting, contestants present it to the judges – providing a brief summary that includes the dish’s name, highlights key ingredients and techniques, and describes the intended flavours. With Ms Chhibber presenting a lot of Indian dishes, she distills her explanation just as she would when counselling a patient on a medication’s mechanism and effects.‘We talk about medical jargon in pharmacy, but there’s a lot of food-related jargon as well,’ she said. ‘So I’ve had to simplify things for the judges in terms of ingredients or techniques. They’ve got it every time, so I must be doing something right.’Balancing pharmacy passion with culinary ambitions
Although some may assume Ms Chhibber plans to pursue cooking full-time, she will always work as a pharmacist – even if only a couple of days a week. ‘I worked really hard to get to the point where I was where I am now, and it’s very hard to let that go,’ she said. She is keen, however, to offer cooking ‘masterclasses’, much like the training session she presented while working in industry as a Senior Medical Affairs associate ‘Towards the end of my time in the pharmaceutical industry, I was presenting at a lot of conferences and running training sessions for our representatives that were working out on the field,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘I think that would really resonate with running cooking classes, because it’s explaining new things to people and teaching them from the very bottom to develop those skills.’ Much like the breakfast mixer she co-hosted with PSA’s very own Chris Campbell on the ‘11 secret ingredients to the evolving role of pharmacists’ at PSA22, Ms Chhibber plans to make it fun.‘That was one of the best things I've ever done which I would love to do again. I don’t think there was anyone who wasn’t paying attention or having a good time,’ she said. ‘It’s good to spice things up to keep it interesting.’
New pharmacy horizons
In terms of pharmacy, Ms Chhibber is keen to get more involved in Opioid Dependence Treatment. ‘I’ve done a lot of methadone dosing, which I really like because we get to see the changes and development in patients over the years,’ she said. This process can take longer in some patients, who may not know how to ask for help. ‘But if they can come to a pharmacy and receive non-judgemental care, that’s something I feel quite passionate about,’ Ms Chhibber said. Since becoming a mum, she’s also keen to offer paediatric care. ‘Now I've got a lot of personal experience with children and treating them for simple things that you don’t always need a GP for, I'm always encouraging parents to bring their kids to us to see if we can do something,’ she said. ‘They'd rather come into a pharmacy so they can get care earlier than wait for hours in the emergency department.’Now that Network 10 has just issued the casting call for the next season of MasterChef Australia, Ms Chhibber encourages any other budding pharmacist chefs who are interested in cooking to give it a go. ‘Fortunately I was in a situation where my managers were very supportive and were more excited than I was,’ she said. ‘If you’ve got the right support, good stability, and can afford to do it, it's definitely worth it.’ MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play. [post_title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [post_excerpt] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:03:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:03:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29554 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29557 [authorType] => )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29701 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-16 14:36:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-16 04:36:25 [post_content] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead proactive, informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. Despite a world-class immunisation framework and high levels of public trust, Australia has seen vaccination coverage fall short of its 95% target across most cohorts since 2020, said Professor Michael Kidd at the 9th Annual Immunisation Forum 2025, in his first speech Australia's new Chief Medical Officer. [caption id="attachment_29704" align="alignright" width="281"]Professor Michael Kidd[/caption] ‘If we don't halt the decline in vaccination rates and improve our vaccination coverage … we're risking more disease outbreaks, more serious illness and death among members of our most vulnerable populations, including our children and older people,’ he said. It’s a troubling trend, especially with the re-emergence of measles both locally and globally, the increase in reported cases of influenza and pertussis, and the outbreak of polio just to our north in Papua New Guinea. The good news? Pharmacists, as the most accessible health professionals, have already proven themselves to be a trusted, convenient and indispensable vaccination workforce. But there are ways to harness this accessibility, credibility and community reach to increase vaccination uptake – particularly as expanded scopes of practice and new immunisation programs roll out nationwide.
Taking every opportunity
The key to improving vaccination rates is proactive engagement, particularly during patient interactions, said pharmacist Bec Rogers. ‘One of the most effective strategies is the identification of eligible patients during dispensing,’ she said. Whether it’s offering an influenza shot to a patient collecting an asthma inhaler, or recommending a shingles vaccine to an older adult – the opportunities are endless. ‘Opportunistic conversations at the counter or in a consultation room prompt patients to take action that they may not have considered before, because the recommendation is coming from their trusted and respected health professional,’ she said. For example, in areas with a high proportion of young families, offering family-friendly vaccination clinics – which could mean extended hours or group appointments – can help remove barriers and boost participation. Other appointment types, such as medication reviews, health checks or minor ailment consultations, can be leveraged as an opportunity to identify recommended vaccines. ‘For instance, if you're in the consult room talking to someone about their cardiovascular risk, it's a great time to bring up what vaccinations they might need, such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccination,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘Our software enables us to check their immunisation history through integration with AIR to really streamline that process.’Employing marketing and communication strategies
A strong digital marketing strategy can make all the difference in driving vaccination uptake. ‘Automated SMS reminders are one of the most effective tools,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘They can be used to remind patients about upcoming appointments, boosters that might be due, or seasonal campaigns.’ Email campaigns offer another channel to reach patients who may not visit regularly. ‘They can provide more detailed information about available vaccines, eligibility criteria and also how to book,’ she said. ‘They're particularly useful for engaging with patients who may not be visiting your pharmacy as frequently as others.’ Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram extend community reach – allowing pharmacists to share timely updates, highlight new services and showcase the accessibility and professionalism of pharmacy teams. In-store signage also plays a vital role. ‘Posters, window decals and digital screens really help reinforce the message for walk-in customers,’ Ms Rogers said. As pharmacists expand their service offerings, it's crucial to promote new programs – including new NIP vaccines and travel health services. ‘This not only broadens the scope of pharmacy-based vaccination, but also creates new touchpoints for engaging with patients and improving public health outcomes,’ she said.Staying on top of legislation changes
As pharmacists administer more and more vaccinations, it’s crucial to keep pace with evolving legislation and vaccine eligibility, said immunisation nurse Georgina Lewis, manager of Victoria’s Vaccine Safety Service. ‘The NIP is forever changing,’ she said. ‘Even if you're not delivering them, you need to be able to engage with families who are interested in vaccines and be opportunistic in your recommendations.’ RSV vaccine eligibility is a particularly dynamic space. ‘We’ve got two vaccines recommended for older adults, Arexy and Abrysvo,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Both can be given at any time of year, but there's seasonality in some states and for others, it's all year round – particularly in tropical regions.’Expanding service offering through travel vaccinations
There's an expanded role for some pharmacists to provide travel vaccines, Ms Lewis said. ‘You need to be cognisant of what your legislative requirements are, and in some circumstances [these vaccinations] will be in collaboration with other healthcare providers,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘There may be a scenario where a family or individual comes in with a prescription from a GP for Hepatitis A for example, so you dispense the vaccine and then realise that perhaps you have an opportunity to administer it … which is more convenient for the patient and prevents potential cold chain issues.’ However, a conversation needs to occur with the patient's GP. ‘You also need to make sure it’s recorded in AIR so we don’t get double-ups,’ she said. Travel advice might be sought through pharmacists, which presents further vaccination opportunities when within scope. ‘It’s important to check vaccination status as part of those discussions, as you may identify gaps and opportunities to catch individuals up,’ she said. ‘And then always refer back to a GP or travel specialist as appropriate. Key questions include: Are you going somewhere? Have you had your travel vaccines? Have you spoken to your GP or a travel specialist?Co-administration and avoiding common errors
As pharmacists take on a greater role in immunisation, it’s essential to approach co-administration of vaccines with care and clinical confidence, Ms Lewis said. ‘If you're not comfortable doing more than one injection, don't do it,’ she said. ‘You're better off doing them separately or sending them somewhere where they are more confident to do that, because we don't want people coming away with the incorrect technique leading to something like a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.” The Vaccine Safety Service has received reports of shoulder injuries occurring in both pharmacy and general practice settings due to improper injection technique. ‘So it's really important you know your anatomical sites if you're going for co-administration, focusing on the deltoid which is recommended [for patients] over 12 months of age,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Injecting too high into the shoulder area can cause restricted movement and ongoing pain and suffering for individuals.’ Common vaccine errors reported to the Vaccine Safety Service also underscore the importance of vigilance. Confusion between RSV vaccine products has been observed, particularly during the initial rollout phases. ‘[There was] a bit of inadvertent administration of Arexy in pregnancy when Abrysvo wasn't on the NIP, which has settled down now,’ Ms Lewis noted. ‘But it's been replaced by Abrysvo being given to infants instead of the monoclonal antibody.’ Another avoidable issue is the administration of expired vaccines. ‘We get a lot of expired vaccine [reports],’ she said. ‘So it's another opportunity to check and get your products and storage right.’Looking ahead
The National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2025–2030, released on Thursday 12 June, outlines national consistency and public trust as key pillars in increasing vaccination rates – recommending an expanded vaccination scope for pharmacists that encompasses more NIP vaccines. This is something PSA has long advocated for. ‘Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. ‘PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action. In the meantime, the message for pharmacists is clear: continue doing what you do best – connect with your community, provide trusted care, and stay informed. ‘You're all in a fantastic position to do something about this,’ Prof Kidd said. ‘Please continue to do all you can.’ [post_title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [post_excerpt] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:40:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:40:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29701 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29706 [authorType] => )
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[post_content] => In this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, five pharmacists have been awarded prestigious Orders of Australia Medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and their local communities.
PSA congratulated the pharmacists recognised in Monday’s honours list, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29636 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-11 13:38:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-11 03:38:43 [post_content] => Following several incident reports, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued new preoperative precautions linked to these popular therapies. Last week, the TGA issued an alert over use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs) before procedures involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation. This warning extends to all medicines in these classes approved for diabetes and/or chronic weight management, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29601 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-09 14:30:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-09 04:30:54 [post_content] => Some pharmacists have recently pondered the possibility of administering cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, reaching out to PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line for guidance. ‘Now that pharmacists are injecting more medicines, and we have up-skilled to be able to do that, the next question on a lot of pharmacists’ minds is, “what about cosmetic injectables”?’ said Pooja Jadeja MPS from PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line ‘They want to know whether it’s something they can legally inject and what the regulatory requirements are.’ So can you – and should you? Australian Pharmacist investigates this prickly issue.Where can pharmacists legally administer Botox?
[caption id="attachment_28631" align="alignright" width="250"]Pooja Jadeja MPS[/caption] ‘Technically, anywhere except New South Wales,’ Ms Jadeja said. ‘But in other jurisdictions, it’s not defined in legislation whether it’s legal or not.’ Botulinum toxins – or Botox – is of course a Schedule 4 medicine. So to be lawful, a prescription would need to first be issued to the patient and dispensed.
What are the administration requirements?
While pharmacists operating outside the ‘Premier State’ could infer that they can legally administer dispensed cosmetic injections, they must question whether it is:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-04 14:04:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-04 04:04:18 [post_content] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef kitchen, where every gram and garnish matters under intense pressure. Depinder Chhibber has had a busy few years since last appearing on season 13 of MasterChef Australia in 2021. In between appearing as a special guest chef on MasterChef India in 2023 to becoming a mother to two girls – she has still found time to stick to her pharmacy roots. Ms Chhibber has even changed practice settings, moving from community pharmacy to industry, and onto hospital pharmacy when travelling with her husband for work. ‘The greatest gift I've ever received from my pharmacy degree is being able to get a job anywhere in the world,’ she said. ‘When we travelled around rural Australia, I had a job literally everywhere I went, and I couldn't be more grateful that I could work and help in those communities.’ Last year proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding years for Ms Chhibber, who balanced part-time work as a pharmacist, full-time motherhood while launching her supper club Ghar in Newcastle, New South Wales. Ghar, which translates directly to ‘home’ in Hindi, perfectly captures the vibe Ms Chhibber sought to create with her supper club.‘The food I’m serving is a sneak peek into every household in India – but elevated,’ she said. ‘Patrons are served individual portions on the same long table. Everyone interacts, because Indian food is all about community, sharing, and eating with your family and friends.’ Now, she is battling it out once again in the kitchen on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, which brought back 24 standout contestants from previous seasons to compete in advanced challenges, eliminations, and immunity tests for a second chance at the title. ‘Because I wasn't busy enough, I went out and got onto MasterChef again,’ she laughed. While Ms Chhibber said the MasterChef kitchen has the ‘same energy’ this time around, the stakes have risen. ‘It's very different from the previous season, because we're competing with people who have been in the food industry for many years and the competition is super stiff,’ she said. Australian Pharmacist sat down with Ms Chhibber to discuss how her years in pharmacy have primed her for the most competitive season of MasterChef yet.Clinical calm under kitchen pressure
During Pressure Tests, which occur during Masterchef elimination rounds, contestants must replicate a detailed recipe exactly – measuring ingredients, using precise techniques and plating as instructed. They must complete this task within a strict time limit and without any outside references – with accuracy, taste and presentation determining who stays and who goes.To get through these tough tests, Ms Chhibber draws on her experience in the demanding world of dispensing medicines in a busy pharmacy. When you’re on national television, the ‘miss one step and you’re out’ dynamic of pressure tests can be highly stressful. So too can dispensing Schedule 8 medicines, when a slight error could be career- or life-ending. ‘When you do a pressure test, you are highly focused. As much as they say you need to do one step at a time, you really need to multitask and move super fast at all times – because if you don't, you're not going to get through the recipe,’ she said. ‘As a pharmacist, you've got to multitask and work around different teams and steps. You're doing so many things at the same time – checking a script, looking over who's coming into your store and what Schedule 3 [medicine] has been handed out.’ Pharmacists are ultimately responsible for what goes on in the pharmacy, much like in a pressure test. ‘You've got a gas stove with three burners going, and at the same time you’ve got something in the oven on the other side. Then, the judges come and have a chat with you,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘Staying calm under pressure, which I’ve learned over the years as a pharmacist, has really helped me this time around.’
From drug compounds to unexpected ingredients
In a MasterChef Mystery Box Challenge, each contestant is given a sealed box containing a hidden set of ingredients – often chosen by a guest chef. They must create a complete dish using only those ingredients and a limited ‘underbench’ pantry within 75 minutes. Once time’s up, the dishes are presented to the judges, who evaluate them on creativity, technical execution and flavour – with the top performers either earning immunity or other advantages in subsequent rounds. Contestants will face entirely unknown ingredients in the mystery box, so their palate and resourcefulness really come into play, Ms Chhibber said.‘That's very similar to reading medicine labels, because there'll be some ingredients that we won't know or have never experienced. But then you consult formulary references or search for similar compounds, or a particular drug class or excipient,’ she said. ‘You rely back on the basics to get you through that particular challenge.’
Counselling skills at the judging table
When a dish is ready for tasting, contestants present it to the judges – providing a brief summary that includes the dish’s name, highlights key ingredients and techniques, and describes the intended flavours. With Ms Chhibber presenting a lot of Indian dishes, she distills her explanation just as she would when counselling a patient on a medication’s mechanism and effects.‘We talk about medical jargon in pharmacy, but there’s a lot of food-related jargon as well,’ she said. ‘So I’ve had to simplify things for the judges in terms of ingredients or techniques. They’ve got it every time, so I must be doing something right.’Balancing pharmacy passion with culinary ambitions
Although some may assume Ms Chhibber plans to pursue cooking full-time, she will always work as a pharmacist – even if only a couple of days a week. ‘I worked really hard to get to the point where I was where I am now, and it’s very hard to let that go,’ she said. She is keen, however, to offer cooking ‘masterclasses’, much like the training session she presented while working in industry as a Senior Medical Affairs associate ‘Towards the end of my time in the pharmaceutical industry, I was presenting at a lot of conferences and running training sessions for our representatives that were working out on the field,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘I think that would really resonate with running cooking classes, because it’s explaining new things to people and teaching them from the very bottom to develop those skills.’ Much like the breakfast mixer she co-hosted with PSA’s very own Chris Campbell on the ‘11 secret ingredients to the evolving role of pharmacists’ at PSA22, Ms Chhibber plans to make it fun.‘That was one of the best things I've ever done which I would love to do again. I don’t think there was anyone who wasn’t paying attention or having a good time,’ she said. ‘It’s good to spice things up to keep it interesting.’
New pharmacy horizons
In terms of pharmacy, Ms Chhibber is keen to get more involved in Opioid Dependence Treatment. ‘I’ve done a lot of methadone dosing, which I really like because we get to see the changes and development in patients over the years,’ she said. This process can take longer in some patients, who may not know how to ask for help. ‘But if they can come to a pharmacy and receive non-judgemental care, that’s something I feel quite passionate about,’ Ms Chhibber said. Since becoming a mum, she’s also keen to offer paediatric care. ‘Now I've got a lot of personal experience with children and treating them for simple things that you don’t always need a GP for, I'm always encouraging parents to bring their kids to us to see if we can do something,’ she said. ‘They'd rather come into a pharmacy so they can get care earlier than wait for hours in the emergency department.’Now that Network 10 has just issued the casting call for the next season of MasterChef Australia, Ms Chhibber encourages any other budding pharmacist chefs who are interested in cooking to give it a go. ‘Fortunately I was in a situation where my managers were very supportive and were more excited than I was,’ she said. ‘If you’ve got the right support, good stability, and can afford to do it, it's definitely worth it.’ MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play. [post_title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [post_excerpt] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:03:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:03:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29554 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29557 [authorType] => )
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29701 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-16 14:36:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-16 04:36:25 [post_content] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead proactive, informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. Despite a world-class immunisation framework and high levels of public trust, Australia has seen vaccination coverage fall short of its 95% target across most cohorts since 2020, said Professor Michael Kidd at the 9th Annual Immunisation Forum 2025, in his first speech Australia's new Chief Medical Officer. [caption id="attachment_29704" align="alignright" width="281"]Professor Michael Kidd[/caption] ‘If we don't halt the decline in vaccination rates and improve our vaccination coverage … we're risking more disease outbreaks, more serious illness and death among members of our most vulnerable populations, including our children and older people,’ he said. It’s a troubling trend, especially with the re-emergence of measles both locally and globally, the increase in reported cases of influenza and pertussis, and the outbreak of polio just to our north in Papua New Guinea. The good news? Pharmacists, as the most accessible health professionals, have already proven themselves to be a trusted, convenient and indispensable vaccination workforce. But there are ways to harness this accessibility, credibility and community reach to increase vaccination uptake – particularly as expanded scopes of practice and new immunisation programs roll out nationwide.
Taking every opportunity
The key to improving vaccination rates is proactive engagement, particularly during patient interactions, said pharmacist Bec Rogers. ‘One of the most effective strategies is the identification of eligible patients during dispensing,’ she said. Whether it’s offering an influenza shot to a patient collecting an asthma inhaler, or recommending a shingles vaccine to an older adult – the opportunities are endless. ‘Opportunistic conversations at the counter or in a consultation room prompt patients to take action that they may not have considered before, because the recommendation is coming from their trusted and respected health professional,’ she said. For example, in areas with a high proportion of young families, offering family-friendly vaccination clinics – which could mean extended hours or group appointments – can help remove barriers and boost participation. Other appointment types, such as medication reviews, health checks or minor ailment consultations, can be leveraged as an opportunity to identify recommended vaccines. ‘For instance, if you're in the consult room talking to someone about their cardiovascular risk, it's a great time to bring up what vaccinations they might need, such as influenza or pneumococcal vaccination,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘Our software enables us to check their immunisation history through integration with AIR to really streamline that process.’Employing marketing and communication strategies
A strong digital marketing strategy can make all the difference in driving vaccination uptake. ‘Automated SMS reminders are one of the most effective tools,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘They can be used to remind patients about upcoming appointments, boosters that might be due, or seasonal campaigns.’ Email campaigns offer another channel to reach patients who may not visit regularly. ‘They can provide more detailed information about available vaccines, eligibility criteria and also how to book,’ she said. ‘They're particularly useful for engaging with patients who may not be visiting your pharmacy as frequently as others.’ Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram extend community reach – allowing pharmacists to share timely updates, highlight new services and showcase the accessibility and professionalism of pharmacy teams. In-store signage also plays a vital role. ‘Posters, window decals and digital screens really help reinforce the message for walk-in customers,’ Ms Rogers said. As pharmacists expand their service offerings, it's crucial to promote new programs – including new NIP vaccines and travel health services. ‘This not only broadens the scope of pharmacy-based vaccination, but also creates new touchpoints for engaging with patients and improving public health outcomes,’ she said.Staying on top of legislation changes
As pharmacists administer more and more vaccinations, it’s crucial to keep pace with evolving legislation and vaccine eligibility, said immunisation nurse Georgina Lewis, manager of Victoria’s Vaccine Safety Service. ‘The NIP is forever changing,’ she said. ‘Even if you're not delivering them, you need to be able to engage with families who are interested in vaccines and be opportunistic in your recommendations.’ RSV vaccine eligibility is a particularly dynamic space. ‘We’ve got two vaccines recommended for older adults, Arexy and Abrysvo,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Both can be given at any time of year, but there's seasonality in some states and for others, it's all year round – particularly in tropical regions.’Expanding service offering through travel vaccinations
There's an expanded role for some pharmacists to provide travel vaccines, Ms Lewis said. ‘You need to be cognisant of what your legislative requirements are, and in some circumstances [these vaccinations] will be in collaboration with other healthcare providers,’ Ms Rogers said. ‘There may be a scenario where a family or individual comes in with a prescription from a GP for Hepatitis A for example, so you dispense the vaccine and then realise that perhaps you have an opportunity to administer it … which is more convenient for the patient and prevents potential cold chain issues.’ However, a conversation needs to occur with the patient's GP. ‘You also need to make sure it’s recorded in AIR so we don’t get double-ups,’ she said. Travel advice might be sought through pharmacists, which presents further vaccination opportunities when within scope. ‘It’s important to check vaccination status as part of those discussions, as you may identify gaps and opportunities to catch individuals up,’ she said. ‘And then always refer back to a GP or travel specialist as appropriate. Key questions include: Are you going somewhere? Have you had your travel vaccines? Have you spoken to your GP or a travel specialist?Co-administration and avoiding common errors
As pharmacists take on a greater role in immunisation, it’s essential to approach co-administration of vaccines with care and clinical confidence, Ms Lewis said. ‘If you're not comfortable doing more than one injection, don't do it,’ she said. ‘You're better off doing them separately or sending them somewhere where they are more confident to do that, because we don't want people coming away with the incorrect technique leading to something like a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.” The Vaccine Safety Service has received reports of shoulder injuries occurring in both pharmacy and general practice settings due to improper injection technique. ‘So it's really important you know your anatomical sites if you're going for co-administration, focusing on the deltoid which is recommended [for patients] over 12 months of age,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘Injecting too high into the shoulder area can cause restricted movement and ongoing pain and suffering for individuals.’ Common vaccine errors reported to the Vaccine Safety Service also underscore the importance of vigilance. Confusion between RSV vaccine products has been observed, particularly during the initial rollout phases. ‘[There was] a bit of inadvertent administration of Arexy in pregnancy when Abrysvo wasn't on the NIP, which has settled down now,’ Ms Lewis noted. ‘But it's been replaced by Abrysvo being given to infants instead of the monoclonal antibody.’ Another avoidable issue is the administration of expired vaccines. ‘We get a lot of expired vaccine [reports],’ she said. ‘So it's another opportunity to check and get your products and storage right.’Looking ahead
The National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2025–2030, released on Thursday 12 June, outlines national consistency and public trust as key pillars in increasing vaccination rates – recommending an expanded vaccination scope for pharmacists that encompasses more NIP vaccines. This is something PSA has long advocated for. ‘Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. ‘PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action. In the meantime, the message for pharmacists is clear: continue doing what you do best – connect with your community, provide trusted care, and stay informed. ‘You're all in a fantastic position to do something about this,’ Prof Kidd said. ‘Please continue to do all you can.’ [post_title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [post_excerpt] => As vaccine-preventable diseases resurface, pharmacies must lead informed conversations that close gaps and restore community protection. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:40:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:40:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29701 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [title] => How pharmacists can stop the slide in immunisation coverage [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/how-pharmacists-can-stop-the-slide-in-immunisation-coverage/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29706 [authorType] => )
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[post_content] => In this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, five pharmacists have been awarded prestigious Orders of Australia Medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and their local communities.
PSA congratulated the pharmacists recognised in Monday’s honours list, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29636 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-11 13:38:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-11 03:38:43 [post_content] => Following several incident reports, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued new preoperative precautions linked to these popular therapies. Last week, the TGA issued an alert over use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs) before procedures involving general anaesthesia or deep sedation. This warning extends to all medicines in these classes approved for diabetes and/or chronic weight management, including:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29601 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-09 14:30:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-09 04:30:54 [post_content] => Some pharmacists have recently pondered the possibility of administering cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, reaching out to PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line for guidance. ‘Now that pharmacists are injecting more medicines, and we have up-skilled to be able to do that, the next question on a lot of pharmacists’ minds is, “what about cosmetic injectables”?’ said Pooja Jadeja MPS from PSA’s Pharmacist to Pharmacist Advice Line ‘They want to know whether it’s something they can legally inject and what the regulatory requirements are.’ So can you – and should you? Australian Pharmacist investigates this prickly issue.Where can pharmacists legally administer Botox?
[caption id="attachment_28631" align="alignright" width="250"]Pooja Jadeja MPS[/caption] ‘Technically, anywhere except New South Wales,’ Ms Jadeja said. ‘But in other jurisdictions, it’s not defined in legislation whether it’s legal or not.’ Botulinum toxins – or Botox – is of course a Schedule 4 medicine. So to be lawful, a prescription would need to first be issued to the patient and dispensed.
What are the administration requirements?
While pharmacists operating outside the ‘Premier State’ could infer that they can legally administer dispensed cosmetic injections, they must question whether it is:
td_module_mega_menu Object ( [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 29554 [post_author] => 3410 [post_date] => 2025-06-04 14:04:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-04 04:04:18 [post_content] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef kitchen, where every gram and garnish matters under intense pressure. Depinder Chhibber has had a busy few years since last appearing on season 13 of MasterChef Australia in 2021. In between appearing as a special guest chef on MasterChef India in 2023 to becoming a mother to two girls – she has still found time to stick to her pharmacy roots. Ms Chhibber has even changed practice settings, moving from community pharmacy to industry, and onto hospital pharmacy when travelling with her husband for work. ‘The greatest gift I've ever received from my pharmacy degree is being able to get a job anywhere in the world,’ she said. ‘When we travelled around rural Australia, I had a job literally everywhere I went, and I couldn't be more grateful that I could work and help in those communities.’ Last year proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding years for Ms Chhibber, who balanced part-time work as a pharmacist, full-time motherhood while launching her supper club Ghar in Newcastle, New South Wales. Ghar, which translates directly to ‘home’ in Hindi, perfectly captures the vibe Ms Chhibber sought to create with her supper club.‘The food I’m serving is a sneak peek into every household in India – but elevated,’ she said. ‘Patrons are served individual portions on the same long table. Everyone interacts, because Indian food is all about community, sharing, and eating with your family and friends.’ Now, she is battling it out once again in the kitchen on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, which brought back 24 standout contestants from previous seasons to compete in advanced challenges, eliminations, and immunity tests for a second chance at the title. ‘Because I wasn't busy enough, I went out and got onto MasterChef again,’ she laughed. While Ms Chhibber said the MasterChef kitchen has the ‘same energy’ this time around, the stakes have risen. ‘It's very different from the previous season, because we're competing with people who have been in the food industry for many years and the competition is super stiff,’ she said. Australian Pharmacist sat down with Ms Chhibber to discuss how her years in pharmacy have primed her for the most competitive season of MasterChef yet.Clinical calm under kitchen pressure
During Pressure Tests, which occur during Masterchef elimination rounds, contestants must replicate a detailed recipe exactly – measuring ingredients, using precise techniques and plating as instructed. They must complete this task within a strict time limit and without any outside references – with accuracy, taste and presentation determining who stays and who goes.To get through these tough tests, Ms Chhibber draws on her experience in the demanding world of dispensing medicines in a busy pharmacy. When you’re on national television, the ‘miss one step and you’re out’ dynamic of pressure tests can be highly stressful. So too can dispensing Schedule 8 medicines, when a slight error could be career- or life-ending. ‘When you do a pressure test, you are highly focused. As much as they say you need to do one step at a time, you really need to multitask and move super fast at all times – because if you don't, you're not going to get through the recipe,’ she said. ‘As a pharmacist, you've got to multitask and work around different teams and steps. You're doing so many things at the same time – checking a script, looking over who's coming into your store and what Schedule 3 [medicine] has been handed out.’ Pharmacists are ultimately responsible for what goes on in the pharmacy, much like in a pressure test. ‘You've got a gas stove with three burners going, and at the same time you’ve got something in the oven on the other side. Then, the judges come and have a chat with you,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘Staying calm under pressure, which I’ve learned over the years as a pharmacist, has really helped me this time around.’
From drug compounds to unexpected ingredients
In a MasterChef Mystery Box Challenge, each contestant is given a sealed box containing a hidden set of ingredients – often chosen by a guest chef. They must create a complete dish using only those ingredients and a limited ‘underbench’ pantry within 75 minutes. Once time’s up, the dishes are presented to the judges, who evaluate them on creativity, technical execution and flavour – with the top performers either earning immunity or other advantages in subsequent rounds. Contestants will face entirely unknown ingredients in the mystery box, so their palate and resourcefulness really come into play, Ms Chhibber said.‘That's very similar to reading medicine labels, because there'll be some ingredients that we won't know or have never experienced. But then you consult formulary references or search for similar compounds, or a particular drug class or excipient,’ she said. ‘You rely back on the basics to get you through that particular challenge.’
Counselling skills at the judging table
When a dish is ready for tasting, contestants present it to the judges – providing a brief summary that includes the dish’s name, highlights key ingredients and techniques, and describes the intended flavours. With Ms Chhibber presenting a lot of Indian dishes, she distills her explanation just as she would when counselling a patient on a medication’s mechanism and effects.‘We talk about medical jargon in pharmacy, but there’s a lot of food-related jargon as well,’ she said. ‘So I’ve had to simplify things for the judges in terms of ingredients or techniques. They’ve got it every time, so I must be doing something right.’Balancing pharmacy passion with culinary ambitions
Although some may assume Ms Chhibber plans to pursue cooking full-time, she will always work as a pharmacist – even if only a couple of days a week. ‘I worked really hard to get to the point where I was where I am now, and it’s very hard to let that go,’ she said. She is keen, however, to offer cooking ‘masterclasses’, much like the training session she presented while working in industry as a Senior Medical Affairs associate ‘Towards the end of my time in the pharmaceutical industry, I was presenting at a lot of conferences and running training sessions for our representatives that were working out on the field,’ Ms Chhibber said. ‘I think that would really resonate with running cooking classes, because it’s explaining new things to people and teaching them from the very bottom to develop those skills.’ Much like the breakfast mixer she co-hosted with PSA’s very own Chris Campbell on the ‘11 secret ingredients to the evolving role of pharmacists’ at PSA22, Ms Chhibber plans to make it fun.‘That was one of the best things I've ever done which I would love to do again. I don’t think there was anyone who wasn’t paying attention or having a good time,’ she said. ‘It’s good to spice things up to keep it interesting.’
New pharmacy horizons
In terms of pharmacy, Ms Chhibber is keen to get more involved in Opioid Dependence Treatment. ‘I’ve done a lot of methadone dosing, which I really like because we get to see the changes and development in patients over the years,’ she said. This process can take longer in some patients, who may not know how to ask for help. ‘But if they can come to a pharmacy and receive non-judgemental care, that’s something I feel quite passionate about,’ Ms Chhibber said. Since becoming a mum, she’s also keen to offer paediatric care. ‘Now I've got a lot of personal experience with children and treating them for simple things that you don’t always need a GP for, I'm always encouraging parents to bring their kids to us to see if we can do something,’ she said. ‘They'd rather come into a pharmacy so they can get care earlier than wait for hours in the emergency department.’Now that Network 10 has just issued the casting call for the next season of MasterChef Australia, Ms Chhibber encourages any other budding pharmacist chefs who are interested in cooking to give it a go. ‘Fortunately I was in a situation where my managers were very supportive and were more excited than I was,’ she said. ‘If you’ve got the right support, good stability, and can afford to do it, it's definitely worth it.’ MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play. [post_title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [post_excerpt] => Years of calculating exact medication dosages mirror Depinder Chhibber’s meticulous approach in the MasterChef Australia kitchen. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-16 17:03:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-16 07:03:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/?p=29554 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [title_attribute] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [title] => Bringing pharmacy skills to the MasterChef kitchen [href] => https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/bringing-pharmacy-skills-to-the-masterchef-kitchen/ [module_atts:td_module:private] => Array ( ) [td_review:protected] => Array ( ) [is_review:protected] => [post_thumb_id:protected] => 29557 [authorType] => )
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Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.