FAQs on COVID-19 vaccine training for the initial roll-out phase

Please click on the FAQs below

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• How are pharmacists authorised to supply and administer COVID-19 vaccines?

  
  

  The Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No.7) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 698 of 2020) were made on 24 December 2020 and allow a registered pharmacist to supply and administer a COVID-19 vaccine where they have received training approved by the PSI. Currently the PSI has approved the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) training for pharmacists who wish to participate in the national COVID-19 vaccination programme to deliver the Cominarty/ Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna and Astra Zeneca vaccines.

• What training has been approved by the PSI?

  
  The PSI has approved the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) COVID-19 vaccination training for the Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Moderna and Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
  
  The training is approved for all pharmacists who are trained and competent in immunisation practice.
  
  Pharmacists are deemed trained and competent in immunisation practice once they have completed the PSI approved training pathway (i.e. hold up-to-date certificates in CPR training, Responding to an Emergency Situation and Management of Anaphylaxis (RESMA), Medicines Administration (Parenteral) (PAMT), and Delivery of a Vaccination Service training programmes).
  

  

  Information on vaccination training programmes can be accessed on the IIOP website.

• How do I access the approved training?

  
  Details on the training which must be completed to become trained and competent in immunisation practice can be found on this website: Training for Pharmacists - Emergency Medicines and Vaccination.
  
  The NIO training is available through the HSELanD- the Health Service Executive's online learning and development portal.
  
  The HSE have developed this guide for community pharmacists to access HSELanD training.

• What training and/or requirements do I need to complete to become a COVID 19 vaccinator?

  
  In order to be eligible to become a vaccinator, a pharmacist must be up-to-date in CPR training and Responding to an Emergency Situation and Management of Anaphylaxis (RESMA), Medicines Administration (PAMT) and Delivery of a Vaccination Service training programmes. You can check the period of validity for these training programmes on this website.
  
  The PSI approved NIO COVID-19 vaccine training programme must also be completed.
  
  All pharmacist vaccinators at mass vaccination centres who have not vaccinated in the previous 12 months/influenza season must complete a self-assessment of competence, attesting to the completion of their training and competence. The HSE will also have particular governance arrangements and requirements set out for mass vaccination centres, within which all vaccinators will operate.

• Can I participate in COVID-19 vaccinations if I have never vaccinated before or haven’t vaccinated in the last 12 months/influenza season?

  
  Yes. If you have never vaccinated before, or if you have not vaccinated in the last 12 months/influenza season, you must complete the requisite training and complete a self assessment of competence. Details on the training programmes you must complete are set out here.

• How can I participate in the national COVID-19 vaccination programme?

  
  
  The national COVID-19 vaccination strategy and implementation plan has been published by Government and is currently being implemented by the HSE. This plan is being rolled out at a national level and on a phased basis. The implementation of the vaccination plan including the roll out to the priority groups is an operational matter for the HSE and is outside the responsibility of the PSI.
  
  If you are interested in becoming involved, you need to contact your local HSE primary care pharmacist.
  
  
  
  Figure 1: National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: Implementation Plan; How the Vaccination Programme will work.

  
  

• To be involved in the mass vaccination clinics, what training do I need to complete?

  See question 2, above.

• What about COVID-19 vaccination in community pharmacies?

  
  In anticipation of the next phases of the national vaccination programme, including preparing for vaccination in community pharmacies, the PSI is participating in a Working Group with the HSE and IPU. This Group is working to ensure safe and effective roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination services through community pharmacies. As the national COVID-19 Vaccination Programmeis rolled-out further, and as additional COVID-19 vaccines become available for use, the PSI will assess and approve further training for pharmacists as appropriate and for particular settings. We will circulate further information on these further developments as this becomes available.

• Where can I find information about COVID-19 vaccines?

  • HSE website
  • HPRA website
  • IIOP COVID-19 Hub
  • IIOP webinars

• What is the governance within Mass Vaccination Centres?

  
  
  Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) are intended by Government to play a key role in the national vaccination programme, and operate under the governance of the HSE. The specific details regarding the operation of these centres, and the particular roles required of pharmacists, can only be provided by the HSE.
  
  It is the PSI’s view that MVCs do not fall within the definition of a retail pharmacy business as defined in the Pharmacy Act 2007 and, therefore, the operation and governance of MVCs does not fall within the remit of the Pharmacy Act, or of the regulatory roles established under the Act (i.e., superintendent and supervising pharmacist).
  
  A registered pharmacist undertaking any role within an MVC does so under the general governance and oversight of the HSE, or the Hospital Group concerned, and the specific management structure within the particular MVC. All pharmacists working within an MVC are subject to the PSI's Code of Conduct for Pharmacists. Every pharmacist has a professional responsibility under the Code of Conduct, and is expected to use their professional judgement and clinical expertise in responding to patient needs and in ensuring patient safety.
  
  All non-pharmacist staff (who might normally work in a hospital pharmacy) and who are assigned to an MVC, do so under the governance and oversight of the HSE (or the Hospital Group concerned) and the specific management structure within the particular MVC.
  
  Further information on the role of pharmacists as vaccinators in MVCs and required training is available on this website.