Immunisation & Injection Technique for Pharmacists
Short Learning Programme (Z07)
Introduction
Pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals, often serving as the first point of contact within communities. They play a crucial role in delivering primary healthcare services, including immunisation, which is essential for promoting public health and increasing vaccine coverage. During pandemics, pharmacists act as educators, facilitators, vaccinators, and advocates, ensuring broad immunisation outreach. Recognising this, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) identified the need for pharmacist training in immunisation and injection techniques. Nelson Mandela University, in collaboration with Rhodes University Faculty of Pharmacy, is the first accredited provider of this course.
Purpose of the Course
This course aims to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, high-standard immunisation services in accordance with Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP). Graduates of this programme will be able to:
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Administer vaccines safely via all prescribed routes of administration.
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Read and interpret immunisation schedules.
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Operate an immunisation service in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
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Advocate for immunisation and dispel myths surrounding vaccines.
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Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance vaccine accessibility and achieve herd immunity.
Mode of Delivery
The course is designed for practising pharmacists, whether employed full-time or part-time, and follows a blended learning approach, incorporating:
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Online self-study through Moodle, with access to comprehensive course materials.
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Live online workshops covering immunisation principles, vaccine administration, communication strategies, and adverse event management.
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One in-person practical workshop at Nelson Mandela University, where participants will refine their hands-on injection skills.
Course Structure
The course spans seven weeks, requiring participation in six online workshops and one in-person practical session.
Workshop Overview
Workshop 1: General immunisation principles, vaccine types, Expanded Programme on Immunisation in South Africa (EPI-SA), adult vaccines (including influenza and COVID-19 vaccines), and introduction to travel vaccines.
Workshop 2: Effective communication for immunisation, including vaccine advocacy, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Workshop 3: Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs), including types of reactions, anaphylaxis management, and pharmacovigilance.
Workshop 4: Vaccine cold chain management and storage, injection techniques, infection prevention, and waste disposal.
Practical Workshop: Hands-on injection training in a simulated environment, reinforcing theoretical concepts learned online.
Conclusion: Final session for course feedback and evaluation.
Assessments
Theory and Practical Assessments
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Formative assessments: Work assignments and quizzes throughout the course.
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Summative assessments: A final online theory exam and a practical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Practical Injection Requirements
To successfully complete the course, participants must administer a minimum of:
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20 intramuscular immunisations
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5 subcutaneous immunisations
These must be supervised by a qualified pharmacist, nurse, or medical practitioner, with documented evidence of each administered vaccine. The learner is responsible for securing a site and obtaining approval for supervised injections.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, participants must be:
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A SAPC-registered pharmacist or community service pharmacist.
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Able to attend all workshops and practical sessions.
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Equipped with a stable internet connection for online learning.
Certification & Registration
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Competence, enabling them to:
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Register with SAPC as a vaccinator.
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Apply for a Section 22A(15) permit from the National Department of Health.
Course Dates
The next course date is to be confirmed (TBC). For further details regarding the next course offering, please contact the course administrator.