QUT will lead a Queensland pharmacist immunisation research pilot program allowing pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine this flu season.
Announced by the Queensland Branches of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Queensland Pharmacist Immunisation Pilot (QPIP) will begin in the 2014 influenza season and target consumers not currently covered by the National Immunisation Program.
QUT Head of Clinical Sciences Professor Lisa Nissen, who is also president of the PSA Qld Branch, said the Guild and PSA would work with QUT and James Cook University to ensure the pilot's research outcomes were of the highest standard and robustness.
"A key part of the pilot is to provide training for pharmacists around administration of vaccines and the management of adverse events including anaphylaxis," Professor Nissen said.
"The training aligns to the competencies expected of other health professionals providing immunisations and addresses the competences approved recently by the board. This is in addition to pharmacists having a current first aid and CPR certificate."
Professor Nissen said pharmacists were highly qualified health professionals and played a key role in primary care.
"The principle of this trial is about providing the best care and collaborative care. It is about addressing gaps in the current system and targeting patients not currently covered by the current National Immunisation Program."
State President of the Pharmacy Guild, Tim Logan, said the pilot could lay the groundwork for the delivery of more professional services through community pharmacy.
"Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare professionals and so we are a natural destination for the delivery of vital immunisation services," Mr Logan said.
"Through our collaboration with the universities we will be able to collect the essential evidence to enable us to evaluate the role of pharmacist immunisation services.
"The Pharmacy Board of Australia and PDL will monitor the trial to ensure that regulatory and risk management issues are managed with their cooperation."
Media contact:
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