Abstract
Currently, pharmacists in nine Canadian provinces can apply for authorization to administer drugs and vaccines by injection following the successful completion of a required training program and with evidence of certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As more provinces and pharmacists embrace this new scope, questions are being raised about their readiness and ability to provide this public health service. This commentary addresses a number of questions commonly raised about pharmacists as immunizers, taking the position that pharmacists are able and willing to play a larger role in vaccination programs.
Key words: Immunization, vaccine, pharmacist
Mots Clés: Immunisation, vaccin, pharmacien
Résumé
À l’heure actuelle, les pharmaciens de neuf provinces canadiennes peuvent demander l’autorisation d’administrer des médicaments et des vaccins par injection après avoir réussi le programme de formation exigé et sur présentation d’un certificat de secourisme et de réanimation cardiorespiratoire. À mesure que d’autres provinces et d’autres pharmaciens profitent de cette nouvelle possibilité, des questions se posent sur leur préparation et leur capacité d’offrir ce service de santé publique. Notre commentaire aborde plusieurs questions couramment posées sur les pharmaciens en tant que vaccinateurs, en faisant valoir que les pharmaciens sont capables et désireux de jouer un plus grand rôle dans les programmes de vaccination.
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest: None to declare.
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