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People under 18 years need a prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner to access therapeutic vaping goods where state and territory laws allow, to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision. This gives them an opportunity to discuss their vaping with a health professional and get the best information about health harms and quitting options. Prescribers and pharmacists must be aware of the legal settings for prescribing and/or dispensing therapeutic vaping goods across state and territory jurisdictions. This includes information on relevant tobacco/e-cigarette control legislation which restricts advertising, points of sale and supply of vapes to persons under 18 years of age.
The table below provides information to assist:
- Prescribers (medical and nurse practitioners) to determine whether therapeutic vaping goods can be prescribed to patients under the age of 18 years when they have attended a consultation.
- Pharmacists to determine whether therapeutic vaping goods can be dispensed to patients under the age of 18 with a prescription when they have attended in person.
Note: the information in the table reflects the current settings as per ‘last updated date’. The table will be updated as required.
Prescribers and pharmacists should also check with their relevant state or territory health department for further information to confirm current requirements in their respective jurisdiction.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ clinical guidance provides guidance on supporting smoking and vaping cessation – including prescribing therapeutic vapes: Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has guidance to support pharmacists: Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support. The guidance documents also reference further information to support smoking and vaping cessation and/or manage nicotine dependence and support available via the My QuitBuddy app or visit quit.org.au .
The information below only applies in circumstances where a therapeutic vape is prescribed or dispensed in person (face to face) and supplied directly to the patient or carer. Prescribers and pharmacists should contact their local state or territory health department concerning specific requirements respective to the jurisdiction you are working in.
State or Territory | Can a medical or nurse practitioner prescribe therapeutic vaping goods to patients under 18 years? | Can a pharmacist dispense therapeutic vaping goods to patients under 18 years? | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | Yes | No | Find more information on the regulation of vaping and smoking in ACT. |
New South Wales | Yes | Limitation | Therapeutic vaping goods for under 18 years of age can only be lawfully dispensed by pharmacists if prescribed by medical practitioner authorised through the Authorised Prescriber Scheme, or medical or nurse practitioner authorised or approved under the Special Access Scheme (Category B or Category C) pathways. For patients aged 16 and over the TGA Authorised Prescriber Scheme, or either the SAS Category B or C pathways may be used. For patients aged 15 and younger, the TGA Authorised Prescriber or the SAS Category B pathway may be used. Find more information on the NSW Health Guide to Support Young People to Quit E-Cigarettes. |
Northern Territory | Yes | Yes | Find more information on the rules for buying and using vapes in NT. |
Queensland | Yes | Yes | Find additional information on e-cigarettes and vaping in QLD. |
South Australia | Limitation | No | Under South Australia’s Tobacco and E-cigarette Products Act 1997 (Tobacco related legislation | SA Health), it is an offence to sell or supply e-cigarette products to a minor regardless of whether the person has a prescription. Additionally, prescribers and pharmacists must be aware that prescribing rules in South Australia are being reviewed and are subject to change (South Australia proposed legislation changes). Please check state health department requirements. Communication from South Australia’s Chief Pharmacist on changes to vaping reforms is at Chief Pharmacist | SA Health. |
Tasmania | Limitation | No | A nurse practitioner is not authorised to prescribe unregistered products in Tasmania. Prescribers and pharmacists must be aware that Tasmania continues to maintain the current ban on the supply of vape products to people under 18 years of age (Nation-leading vaping legislation tabled in Parliament | Premier of Tasmania). Find more information on e-cigarettes and vaping in TAS. |
Victoria | Yes | No | Find more information on supply in Victoria. |
Western Australia | Yes | Yes | From 31 October 2024, all nicotine vaping products will be classified as Schedule 4 (prescription only) in Western Australia. Pharmacies can only supply nicotine vaping products to a consumer with a prescription from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. Find more information on prescribing medicines. The WA Department of Health website has more information on e-cigarettes. |