Master of Pharmacy graduates will qualify to administer flu vaccinations

Interns from the Master of Pharmacy degree will complete the Pharmacy Guild's Pharmacist Administration of Influenza Vaccination course at the start of their provisional registration.

The training program consists of an online pre-work module and a one-day workshop incorporating lectures and hands-on immunisation training.

Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Iqbal Ramzan said, "The Faculty is pleased to be working with the Guild to provide our students with this opportunity.

"Our graduates have a range of professional skills ensuring they are work-ready for a variety of practice environments. The ability to administer the influenza vaccination is an exciting addition to their repertoire."

Legislation introduced in NSW during 2015 permits registered pharmacists who have completed an approved course to provide influenza vaccinations to patients aged 18 and over.

Intern pharmacists who complete the vaccination training and are under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, who are also approved to vaccinate, will be permitted to provide influenza vaccinations.

Pharmacy Guild Acting President Mark Douglass said, "The Guild looks forward to working with the University of Sydney to provide this course for their Master of Pharmacy graduates, preparing them for their future role as pharmacists."

This agreement will allow University of Sydney Master of Pharmacy graduates to administer influenza vaccinations from the start of their internship, making an immediate contribution to pharmacy and healthcare.

Pharmacists are already skilled at recording patient health and medication history, and counseling patients. The addition of influenza vaccination training increases their scope of practice. Pharmacist-administered influenza vaccinations offer patients greater convenience leading to improved vaccination rates and overall public health benefits.

“The Guild Influenza Vaccination course has proved popular and effective with 266 pharmacists in NSW and ACT having completed the course to date,” said Mr Douglass.