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Many people now receive prescriptions as electronic “tokens” by SMS or email. This is convenient, but it can also become messy — especially if you have several regular medicines, repeats, or scripts from different doctors.

A useful option is the Active Script List, also known as My Script List or MySL. This is a digital list of your current active prescriptions, including electronic prescriptions and barcoded paper prescriptions. Once it is set up, new eligible prescriptions can be added automatically, and you do not need to hunt through old SMS messages for individual prescription tokens. (Australian Digital Health Agency)

How do you get started?

To use an Active Script List, you generally need to be registered through a participating pharmacy, or through a prescriber if their software supports it. In practice, for most patients, the easiest route is to ask their pharmacy to help. The Australian Digital Health Agency says patients can set up an ASL by visiting a pharmacy with a mobile phone and identification, and that most community pharmacies can register patients for the service. (Australian Digital Health Agency)

The pharmacy can provide an ASL activation code. This is the code you can then enter into a compatible app so the app can connect to your My Script List. MedAdvisor’s support information also states that patients must obtain an ASL activation code from a pharmacist and consent by SMS or email to link the account. (support.medadvisor.com.au)

You do not necessarily have to use the pharmacy’s own app

Many pharmacy chains have their own apps. These can be convenient, especially if you usually attend the same pharmacy.

However, you can also use more general prescription-wallet apps that are not tied to a particular pharmacy chain. Examples include:

• Scripty — https://www.getscripty.io
• MedAdvisor — commonly used by many pharmacies, but also supports Active Script List connection

Scripty says it can connect to ASL/MySL and automatically pull in new scripts and repeats once linked. Its app listing also describes automatic syncing with My Script List. (Scripty) MedAdvisor similarly provides instructions for connecting the app to Active Script List using an ASL activation code. (support.medadvisor.com.au)

Unlike the Pharmacy based appts, apart from the ASL activation code, Scripty does not require an 'Activation Code' from the Pharmacy. To obtain such you need to be on the Pharmacy's database ie you've been dispensed prescriptions or at least have provided your Medicare and other details. It is likely the same arrangement with MedAdvisor.

A practical example from the clinic

We recently helped a patient install Scripty on his phone while he was at the clinic. After installing the app, he logged in using his Google account, although other sign-in options were also offered.

He obtained his ASL activation code from a TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacy. This involved SMS consent. The pharmacy sent him a link to activate their own app, but we wanted to see whether the ASL code could also be used in a more generic app. It could: he entered the ASL code into Scripty and the app accepted it.

Interestingly, only one prescription appeared initially — a paper prescription. A recent eScript did not show up. One possible explanation is that the ASL may have been activated only after that eScript had already been dispensed, or that the prescription had not been added to the list in the expected way. This is an observation from one patient’s experience, not a definitive rule.

Important points

The Active Script List is optional. It requires your consent, and you remain in control of who can access your list. MySL describes the service as allowing patients and chosen health professionals to see prescriptions available for dispensing, with the patient controlling which pharmacies and doctors have access. (MySL)

It may also be possible to use an app without connecting ASL, but then the app may behave more like a manual script wallet rather than updating automatically. The main benefit of connecting ASL is that current scripts and repeats can sync automatically without relying on separate SMS tokens.

There is also a privacy and security consent process before these apps connect. Scripty is operated by Oexa Pty Ltd, and Scripty describes itself as integrating with My Script List / ASL. (Scripty) MySL’s terms explain that prescription information is accessed from prescription systems and displayed through authorised partners, subject to consent and the MySL framework. (MySL)

The take-home message

If you are comfortable using apps on your phone, the Active Script List can make prescription management easier. You can ask your pharmacy for an ASL / MySL activation code, then use either the pharmacy’s own app or a compatible general app such as Scripty or MedAdvisor.

You do not need to rely only on SMS prescription tokens, and you may not need to be locked into a single pharmacy chain’s app. The key is obtaining your ASL activation code and giving the required consent. Once linked, the app should be able to show your active prescriptions more conveniently in one place.

Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that a medicine may be prescribed for a use that does not appear in its official approved indications. This is commonly referred to as off label prescribing.

In Australia, medicines are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). When a prescription medicine is approved, the TGA assesses evidence relating to its quality, safety and efficacy for particular uses. These approved uses are listed in the medicine’s Product Information (PI), which doctors can access through clinical prescribing software and reference systems.

Most prescription medicines approved for supply in Australia display AUST R followed by a number on the packaging. This indicates inclusion on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

What does “off label” mean?

Off label prescribing occurs when a registered medicine is prescribed:

• for a condition not specifically listed in the Product Information
• at a different dose
• in a different age group
• by a different route of administration
• or otherwise outside the approved Australian indications.

This does not automatically mean the treatment is inappropriate. In some areas of medicine, off label use is common and supported by specialist experience or published evidence.

Where compounded medicines fit in

There can be overlap between compounded medicines and off label prescribing.

A compounded medicine is typically prepared by a compounding pharmacy to create a customised formulation, dose, strength, or combination that is not readily available as a standard commercial product. This may occur where a patient has special requirements, allergies, swallowing difficulties, or needs a formulation not otherwise available.

Sometimes compounded medicines are used as part of an off label treatment strategy, particularly when no standard Australian product exists in the required form. However, compounding and off label use are not identical concepts:

• A medicine can be off label without being compounded.
• A compounded medicine may or may not involve off label use.

Where a pharmacy compounds a medicine, responsibility rests with the manufacturer/compounder to ensure appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

Confusion from overseas internet information

Confusion can arise when patients research medicines online.

A medicine found on overseas websites may have different approved uses, strengths, formulations, brand names, or regulatory status in another country. Some medicines approved overseas may not be approved in Australia for the same indication, and some products sold online may not meet Australian regulatory standards.

For this reason, internet information should be interpreted cautiously. What is approved in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere does not necessarily mean the same approval applies in Australia.

My practice approach

At this clinic, my usual approach is to require a written recommendation from an appropriate specialist who has experience in the proposed off label use of the medication in question.

This helps ensure:

• the treatment is clinically justified
• recognised alternatives have been considered
• benefits and risks are clearly assessed
• monitoring arrangements are appropriate
• prescribing remains evidence-informed and patient-centred.

The key principle

Whether a medicine is standard, compounded, or proposed for off label use, the central questions remain:

• Is the product of appropriate quality?
• Is it likely to be safe?
• Is there sound evidence it will help?
• Is it suitable for the individual patient?

Careful prescribing decisions are best made through discussion between patient, GP, and where appropriate, the relevant specialist.

Influenza vaccines for 2026 are now available at Hampton and South Medical Centre. Here’s a quick summary of what’s new this year and who should consider vaccination.

What's New in 2026

New Option: FluMist® Intranasal Vaccine

For the first time in Australia, a nasal spray flu vaccine is available.

• Age group: Children 2–17 years
• Type: Live attenuated (weakened) influenza virus
• Administration: Medically supervised
• Cost: Approximately $50 (via pharmacies/private prescription)

This may be particularly helpful for children who are anxious about injections.

FluMist is not recommended for children with moderate to severe immunocompromise or during pregnancy.

2026 Influenza Strains

This year’s vaccines are trivalent (3 strains), updated to match circulating viruses:

• A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09
• A newer H1N1 strain
• Updated from recent Northern Hemisphere surveillance
• Designed to improve protection against evolving H1N1 variants
• A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus
• H3N2 strains often cause more severe illness in older adults
• This update reflects recent circulating global strains
• B/Austria/1359417/2021 (Victoria lineage)-like virus
• Influenza B strain
• Continues to circulate internationally
• Particularly relevant for children and younger adults

These strains are selected annually using global WHO surveillance data to match expected circulating viruses.

Vaccines Available at Hampton and South Medical Centre

We currently stock:

Fluad®

• Recommended for age 65+
• Contains an adjuvant to boost immune response
• Particularly helpful due to immunosenescence (age-related immune decline)

Vaxigrip®

• Standard influenza vaccine
• Suitable for adults and children (depending on eligibility)

Free Vaccines — Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility under the National Immunisation Program remains unchanged:

Free flu vaccines are available for:

• Children 6 months to under 5 years
• Pregnant women (any stage)
• First Nations people 6 months and over
• Adults 65 years and over
• People 6 months and over with certain medical conditions including:
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Immunocompromise
• Neurological conditions

Can Flu Vaccines Be Given With Other Vaccines?

Yes — influenza vaccines can safely be given at the same visit as:

• RSV vaccine (pregnancy and infants; private for older adults)
• Whooping cough vaccine
• COVID-19 booster
• Shingles vaccine

We now have COVID-19 vaccines available at Hampton and South Medical Centre, allowing convenient same-day vaccination.

COVID booster recommendations:

• Age 65+: annually
• Age 75+: every 6 months

Why Vaccination Matters — Especially With Age

During the pandemic we learned about immunosenescence — the immune system becomes less effective with age.

Vaccination helps:

• Reduce severity of illness
• Reduce hospitalisation
• Reduce risk of influenza pneumonia
• Reduce ICU admission risk

Even if vaccination doesn't prevent infection entirely, it often prevents severe illness.

Additional Ways to Reduce Flu Risk

Simple measures still help:

• Hand washing
• Coughing into your elbow
• Staying home when unwell
• Wearing a mask when appropriate

I particularly recommend mask use during air travel — having personally reviewed cabin air quality data, transmission risk remains significant in crowded airport and boarding environments.

When to Get Vaccinated

• Vaccination is recommended from April onwards
• Protection develops in 10–14 days
• Vaccination can still be given later in the season

Book Now

Appointments are now available at Hampton and South Medical Centre.

Flu vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious influenza this winter.

We’re pleased to offer new Medicare-funded health assessments specifically designed for women navigating menopause and perimenopause. These longer, in-depth consultations were introduced by the Federal Government in July 2025 as part of a commitment to improving women’s health, and recognise how challenging this life stage can be.

Common symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes, sleep disturbance, and fatigue can significantly affect day-to-day wellbeing. These Medicare-covered assessmen

ts are designed to better understand and manage these hormonal transitions.

Each consultation runs for at least 20 minutes and includes:

• A comprehensive medical history and menopausal assessment
• Physical examination (including blood pressure, height and weight)
• Discussion of appropriate investigations and referrals — including cervical screening, mammography, bone density scans and ovarian cancer screening advice
• Management planning, covering both non-medication and medication-based strategies
• Preventative health advice on nutrition, physical activity, smoking, alcohol and weight management

At our clinic, Dr Michael Daly works closely with Registered Nurse Monica, who is available to assist during your visit, providing a team-based, supportive approach to your care.

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, contact us to book your Medicare-funded assessment today.

Many Australians assume they won’t qualify for government concessions once they retire — particularly if they own assets or have super.

But the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is based on income only — not assets — and the income limits are surprisingly generous.

Why this matters

Unlike the Age Pension:

• ✅ No assets test
• ✅ Only income matters
• ✅ You can still be working
• ✅ Super balances don’t automatically disqualify you

This means self-funded retirees — even with substantial savings — may still qualify.

Current Income Limits (Approx.)

You may qualify if your annual income is below:

• Single: about $101,105 per year
• Couple (combined): about $161,768 per year
• Couple separated due to illness: about $202,210

There is no assets test for eligibility.

These thresholds are far higher than many people expect — meaning many retirees who assume they are ineligible may actually qualify.

What You Can Save

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can provide:

• 💊 Cheaper PBS medications
• 🩺 Potential bulk-billing or reduced medical fees
• ⚡ Utility concessions (state-based)
• 🚍 Transport concessions (state-based)
• 👂 Hearing, dental or other health concessions (varies by state)

These savings can add up to thousands of dollars per year depending on circumstances.

Important: Not the Same as the Victorian Seniors Card

This is often confused with the Victorian Seniors Card, but they are very different.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

• Federal Government card
• Income tested (but no assets test)
• Provides PBS medication discounts
• May allow bulk-billing or reduced medical fees
• Can provide significant financial savings

Victorian Seniors Card

• Victorian State Government card
• Not income tested
• Mainly provides retail discounts and transport concessions
• No PBS medication benefits
• Usually offers modest savings rather than major health cost reductions

Many people have the Victorian Seniors Card and assume they already have all available concessions — but the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is often far more valuable.

Who Should Consider Applying?

You may qualify if you:

• Are Age Pension age (currently 67)
• Do not receive the Age Pension
• Have moderate income but significant assets
• Are a self-funded retiree
• Still work part-time

Many eligible Australians never apply simply because they assume their assets disqualify them — which is not the case.

Apply or Learn More

Official Services Australia link:

👉 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — Services Australia

A Quietly Valuable Benefit

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is one of the most under-recognised concessions available to older Australians — particularly self-funded retirees.

Given the generous income limits and absence of an assets test, it’s worth checking eligibility even if you think you won’t qualify.

New medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly being used to assist with weight loss. These include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

These medications work by:

• Reducing appetite
• Increasing feelings of fullness
• Slowing stomach emptying
• Improving blood sugar control

Many patients experience significant weight loss, particularly when combined with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments.

Tablet Versions May Be Coming

At present, most of these medications are given as weekly injections.

However, tablet (oral) versions are being developed and may become more widely available in the future, which may make treatment easier for some patients.

An Important Consideration — Coming Off Treatment

One important issue with these medications is what happens when they are stopped.

Research and clinical experience suggest that:

• Appetite often returns
• Weight regain can occur
• Long-term lifestyle support becomes important

For this reason, if stopping medication is planned, it is usually best done gradually, where possible, and with a structured plan in place.

Dietitian Support is Often Helpful

We often recommend dietitian consultation when starting or stopping these medications.

A dietitian can assist with:

• Sustainable eating patterns
• Maintaining weight loss
• Preventing weight regain
• Healthy nutritional intake

This support can make a significant difference to long-term success.

Mental Health and Eating Patterns

Weight gain and eating patterns are sometimes influenced by:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Emotional eating
• Sleep disruption

If any of these factors may be contributing, counselling or psychological support may also be helpful.

Addressing these underlying issues can help ensure more sustainable long-term outcomes.

Is This Treatment Suitable?

These medications are not suitable for everyone, and decisions should be made individually after discussion.

Factors considered include:

• Current weight and BMI
• Other medical conditions
• Current medications
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Long-term goals

If You Would Like to Discuss Further

If you would like to discuss whether GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy or Mounjaro may be appropriate for you, please feel free to make an appointment.

We are happy to discuss:

• Benefits and risks
• Availability
• Cost considerations
• Long-term management strategies

Hampton & South Medical Centre

Supporting sustainable, healthy weight management