A Practical Approach for Training Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students to Prevent Disease by Immunizations

Abstract

Immunization provides an important means for preventing communicable diseases. In recent years, administering immunizations has become part of contemporary pharmacy practice. Some view pharmacist-administered immunizations as a significant advance in the practice of pharmacy for providing care to patients. In Ohio, pharmacists may administer immunizations and pharmacists are not required to notify the patient’s physician or the local health department. There is a need for pharmacy students to obtain immunization certification so they are prepared for practice in the pharmacies of today. Including a training program for pharmacy students as immunizers is consistent with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Center for the Advancement of Pharmaceutical Education Educational Outcomes 2004. The objective of this article is to describe an immunization certification program for pharmacists and pharmacy students based on the requirements of Ohio Law and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Program structures for certification programs for pharmacists and pharmacy students are described and include an immunology review, a review of specific immunization medications, a review of aseptic technique, administration techniques, proper disposal procedures, accidental needle sticks, and basic life support training. Teaching methodologies are identified and methods of assessment for mastery of the course elements are listed.