Sick leave certificates at Pacific Fair

If a minor illness means you can’t work today, a pharmacist at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair in Broadbeach can assess you and, if suitable, give you an absence from work certificate, often called a medical certificate. Walk in on the day you’re unwell, with no booking needed. A consultation fee applies. For carer’s leave, bring the person who is unwell with you.

Reviewed by Jason Markey, owner and pharmacist · Updated 17 October 2026

Who can get a certificate from a pharmacist?

Pharmacists can issue certificates for short absences caused by minor, short-term illnesses they can assess, such as a cold, flu-like symptoms or a stomach bug. Our pharmacist will talk with you in private about your symptoms, then decide whether a certificate is appropriate. Certificates are issued at the pharmacist’s discretion.

A certificate can cover:

• Personal leave, when you’re too unwell to work.
• Carer’s leave, when you need to look after a member of your immediate family or household who is unwell. They need to come in with you so the pharmacist can see them.

What can’t a pharmacist’s certificate cover?

• Backdating. We can’t write a certificate for days before we saw you, so come in on the day you’re unwell.
• Longer absences. Pharmacist certificates are for short periods only. If you’re likely to need more time off, see a GP.
• Injuries at work. A WorkCover claim needs a work capacity certificate from a doctor (or, for some injuries, a nurse practitioner or dentist).
• Fitness to return to work, or extending a certificate a doctor has already given you.
• Pregnancy-related, compassionate or bereavement leave.
• Anything outside a pharmacist’s scope. If your symptoms need a doctor, we’ll tell you and point you to one.

Will my employer accept it?

Under the Fair Work Act, your employer can ask for evidence when you take sick or carer’s leave. The Fair Work Ombudsman says the evidence has to convince a reasonable person, and that medical certificates and statutory declarations are examples of what’s acceptable. Some awards and workplace agreements set out what evidence they need, so check with your employer if you’re unsure.

Studying? Uni, TAFE and school assessments often have their own rules. Some, including Bond University and TAFE Queensland for higher education courses, don’t accept certificates from pharmacists, so see a GP for those.

How does it work?

1. Walk in. Come in on the day you’re unwell and ask for a pharmacist at the prescription counter. No booking needed.
2. A private chat. The pharmacist asks about your symptoms and health in our private consultation area.
3. Your certificate. If it’s appropriate, you’ll get a certificate showing the date we saw you and the dates you’re unfit for work. We’ll also give you advice on treating your symptoms.

Bring photo ID. There’s a fee for the consultation and certificate; ask us in store.

When should I see a GP instead?

See a GP if your symptoms are severe or getting worse, if you’ve been unwell for more than a few days, if you have a long-term condition that’s flaring up, if you’ve been injured, or if you need a certificate for a longer absence or an assessment. The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, can see you. In an emergency, call 000.

This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your pharmacist or doctor.