THE International Pharmaceutical Federation has launched a new FIP Vaccination Handbook for Pharmacists, with the aim of supporting individual pharmacists in understanding how they can contribute to improving global vaccination coverage.
The handbook covers a range of services, including patient education and advice, logistical roles and the administration of vaccines, and giving guidance on the practical implementation of vaccination services by pharmacists.
FIP President Dominique Jordan cited the organisation's long-time work on vaccination, which she said was a key priority goal not just for FIP but also for pharmacy across the globe.
"From my experience in my daily community pharmacy practice, the benefit for the population of having the possibility of being vaccinated at their local pharmacy is so clear, especially during these hard times of the pandemic," she wrote.
"It is worth for our profession to make all necessary efforts to advocate to all relevant stakeholders in our health systems for pharmacists to be granted the authority to vaccinate.
"We can play a crucial role in motivating and vaccinating people, and therefore contribute to increasing vaccination coverage rates," Jordan enthused.
The handbook covers procedures, safety aspects, common risk points and frequently asked questions about vaccines and their administration.
FIP noted that the handbook "does not seek to replace the training and certification of the pharmacy workforce for delivering vaccination services, but it may support them in their daily practice and in gaining an overview of these roles and how they may be performed".
The document includes a foreward from Queensland University of Technology School of Clinical Science, Head, Dr Lisa Nissen (PD 13 Jul).
The handbook, which was developed with the support of unrestricted funds from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals is available free for download online at fip.org/publications.
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