Vaccination Services
Since 2011 pharmacists have been able to provide a seasonal influenza vaccination service in pharmacies. The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 provide for registered pharmacists to supply and administer the seasonal influenza vaccine and to supply and administer adrenaline injections for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock arising from the administration of vaccines.
In 2015 the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2015 enabled pharmacists to supply and administer two additional vaccines, the pneumococcal polysaccharide and herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines.
The PSI has produced guidance to support pharmacists in providing vaccination services in line with the legislation. The guidance sets out the legal and professional requirements which need to be fulfilled in order to safely provide this service. It details the general requirements applicable to the provision of a vaccination services in a pharmacy and additional considerations specific to the provision of each vaccination service, i.e. seasonal influenza, pneumococcal polysaccharide and herpes zoster vaccines.
The vaccination guidance reflects the changes to legislation in 2015 so that it replaces and incorporates previous guidance on the Provision of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Service by Pharmacists.
Training Requirements
We provide a guide to training that pharmacists need to complete for the safe supply and administration of vaccines under the legislation.
Evaluation of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Service in Pharmacy
The PSI has carried out an evaluation of the seasonal influenza vaccination service provided in pharmacies each year since the service was commenced. This is to obtain feedback on the operation of the service, to ensure that the service is being operated safely and to identify any improvements that could be made. Read more
Other Resources
Further information on immunisation for the general public and healthcare professionals is available on the HSE immunisation website.