Pharmacist-Administered Pediatric Immunizations by Law

Описание: Title: Educational Requirements by Law for Pharmacist-Administered Pediatric Vaccinations

Introduction:
By law, pharmacists are authorized to provide vaccinations in all 50 states. However, not all states allow for the vaccination of pediatric patients. Of those that do, it varies on what additional training may be required for pharmacists to provide vaccinations to this population. It is important for pharmacists to have specific training for pediatric vaccination as these patients are unique in many ways. First, these patients may require more time to provide vaccine and/or coaxing techniques. Pediatric patients also have their own schedule and may require more vaccines than typical adult patients. Lastly, especially in young pediatric patients, the location of administration may differ from adult patients. Almost no data are available in the literature regarding training. This study aims to investigate the requirements that are needed in various states for pharmacists to provide pediatric vaccinations.

Methods:
A query of each state’s Board of Pharmacy and governmental websites were performed to identify statutes and/or mandates regarding educational requirements for pharmacists to provide pediatric vaccinations. Any requirement that specified education, training or administration related to pediatric patients and/or special populations were included.

Results:
Forty eight locations allows some level of pediatric vaccinations. Of these states, 29% provided specific guidance for knowledge or training of pharmacists with pediatric vaccinations. These most commonly included:add number requirement of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), pharmacist having pediatric specific CPR training, knowledge of pediatric and adolescent immunization schedules, and training on administration of vaccination to pediatric patients.

Conclusion:
Overall the majority of states allowed for pediatric vaccination, but less than one-third of states had any specific pediatric training requirements. For the few states that do not yet allow pediatric vaccinations and/or those looking to expand pharmacist vaccination of pediatric patients. Specific training such as those discussed above should be considered. Further study into the impact of these training on outcomes and comfort of the pharmacists should be considered.

#virtualnepc