Immunization Administration Training for Pharmacists (with Virtual Assessment)

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Discuss the history of pharmacy-based immunization services.
2. Recognize the importance and public health impact of increasing access to immunizations through pharmacies.
3. Discuss basic immunology related to disease protective mechanisms of vaccines.
4. Compare active immunity and passive immunity.
5. Define antigens, immune response, antibodies, and cell-mediated immunity.
6. Describe the basic principles of vaccination.
7. Describe the classification of vaccines, including live attenuated, inactivated, conjugate, polysaccharide, and recombinant.
8. Outline the childhood and adult immunization schedules.
9. Discuss the precautions for vaccination.
10. Identify contraindications of vaccines.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Develop a plan to properly and safely store vaccines.
2. Implement and accurately complete the checklist for safe vaccine handling and storage.
3. Contact the appropriate manufacturer quality control office if a question arises regarding the integrity of a vaccine.
4. Educate other pharmacy staff about safe vaccine handling and storage.
5. Establish methods to access vaccine information resources.
6. Develop a record keeping system that complies with legal requirements.
7. Describe the benefits and use of immunization information system.
8. Develop a screening technique to identify patients needing immunization.
9. Use Vaccine Information Statements as a required element of patient/parent/guardian education.
10. Develop an exposure plan for implementation in the pharmacy, including blood-borne pathogen directives and needle stick injury prevention.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Report an adverse event utilizing the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
2. Describe the role of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
3. Anticipate and manage common adverse events associated with vaccines and vaccination.
4. Develop an emergency plan for anaphylaxis associated with vaccine administration.
5. Discuss the safety of vaccines with patients, including how vaccines are developed and monitored to ensure their safety.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of vaccine preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, herpes zoster, rotavirus, haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus and meningococcal.
2. Utilize the CDC’s recommended birth to 18 years and adult immunization schedules.
3. Discuss the latest recommendations on immunization made by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).
4. Recommend the appropriate vaccine(s) for individual patients based on their ages and other risk factors.
5. List the vaccines available in the United States.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of vaccine preventable diseases, including influenza, polio, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, COVID-19, and RSV.
2. Recommend immunizations for patients with HIV, asplenia, liver disease, coagulation disorders, diabetes, and renal disease.
3. Develop an immunization strategy for pregnant patients.
4. Discuss contraindications and precautions for vaccination with an immunosuppressed patient.
5. Make appropriate recommendations for immunosuppressed patients.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. List legal requirements in your state for immunization delivery by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
2. Develop a plan for implementing immunization services to adults in a pharmacy.
3. Describe methods for reimbursement for immunization services.
4. Identify required forms and supplies for a pharmacist-led vaccine administration program.
5. Discuss site-specific challenges such as scheduling and workflow that may impact the pharmacist’s ability to administer vaccinations.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Recommend immunizations for patients based on their ages, concurrent illnesses or conditions, and lifestyle.
2. Implement knowledge of immunization recommendations through patient cases.
3. Based on the immunization and patient, determine anatomic site and needle size.
4. Describe the process to administer an immunization, including patient preparation and infection control.
5. Accurately prepare a vaccine for administration.

Upon successful completion of this module, pharmacists should be able to:
1. Describe a site, route of administration and appropriate administration supplies for vaccines based on the type of vaccine and the patient.
2. Review patient screening and immunization history technique to identify patients needing immunization.
3. Describe appropriate positioning of the patient to avoid secondary injury if fainting occurs during or after immunization administration.
4. Discuss appropriate subcutaneous and intramuscular vaccine administration techniques.
5. Review appropriate intranasal and jet injector vaccine administration technique.
6. List counseling points regarding appropriate care after administration. 

This module requires you to attend a live, virtual session where you will demonstrate proper injection technique on your healthcare buddy. Your healthcare buddy must attend the live session with you. 

If your healthcare buddy is a pharmacist, you will be required to upload a copy of their immunization administration certificate; If your healthcare buddy is another healthcare provider (i.e. MD, DO, PA, NP, RN, LPN, etc.) who is an immunizer, you will be required to enter their credentials, practice state, and license number.

Certificate Title: Immunization Administration Training for Pharmacists – Certificate
Certificate Program Number (CPN): 0107-25-002-CP
Activity Length: 20 hours / 2.0 CEU
UANs: 

0107-0000-25-143-H06-P
Immunization Administration Training for Pharmacists
19 Hours / 1.9 CEU

0107-0000-25-144-L06-P
Immunization Injection Technique Assessment
1 Hour / 0.1 CEU

State requirements for pharmacist and technician immunization training and administration vary. Make sure to review your State Board of Pharmacy requirements and consult appropriate business professionals before making any important decisions for your pharmacy.

Before administering immunizations, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must comply with all requirements established by their state Board of Pharmacy regarding technician immunizers. These requirements may include obtaining and maintaining certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for healthcare providers through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

CEimpact has partnered with ProCPR to provide a virtual CPR certification option. Important: Before enrolling, you must verify that this training satisfies your state board’s requirements. Many states mandate a live, hands-on CPR skills assessment, which this virtual program does not include. If your state requires such an assessment, you will need to complete a live training course locally.