WITH pharmacists able to administer a growing number of vaccines, risks are also increasing.
During a session at APP2025, Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) Professional Officers Kylie Neville and Simone Henriksen outlined some of the most common incidents and patient complaints, and provided risk management guidance to pharmacists.
In an analysis of incidents relating to vaccines, PDL reported that the most common related to vaccine selection, highlighting the importance of using open-ended questions to confirm the patient's identity and what vaccination they expect, as well as having good stock control practices, such as a well-organised fridge and barcodescanning.
Other incidents included using the wrong needle, children being able to reach into sharps containers, using expired vaccines, and having too long or too short an interval between doses.
The most common complaints from patients related to the pharmacist declining to supply a vaccine and dissatisfaction with service, which largely relate to whether the services a particular pharmacist or pharmacy team are able to supply meet the patient's expectations; complaints about counselling or advice; and concerns about privacy or confidentiality.
PDL provided their top 10 tips for managing risk:
1. Check you have the right patient - ask for their full name and date of birth, and avoid asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no.
2. Check the vaccine expiry date on the individual packaging before administering it.
Slow-moving stock and poor stock control practices can lead to having expired stock in the fridge.
3. Scan check all dispensed items when stock arrives.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia strongly encourages pharmacists to use barcode scanners in the dispensing process.
Scan every product if you receive a pack with multiple items - there may be an incorrect product in amongst others the pack.
4. Ask the patient which vaccine they are expecting to receive using an open-ended question.
5. Watch out for mg vs mL in labelled directions, especially for children's products and compounding solutions.
6. Use your clinical judgement - if a dose seems odd, double check it.
Use AMH or MIMS, and contact prescriber if something does not seem right.
Note your concerns before contacting the prescriber, and document the conversation with the prescriber.
7. Double check paediatric doses every time - and check the child's weight and the indication for which you are dispensing.
8. Manage dispensary staff work loads and ask for help when needed.
9. Look after your own health and mental health - the chances of error are greater when tired, stressed or hungry, so take breaks when needed.
10. Be familiar with relevant legislation and guidelines according to your jurisdiction and qualifications, and keep up to date.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 25 Mar 25
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