Archive 2013

Notice for providers of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Training Programmes for pharmacists registered in Ireland for the 2013-’14 Winter Season

May 22, 2013

The PSI wishes to bring to the attention of potential providers of seasonal influenza vaccination training programmes for pharmacists registered in Ireland that the following programmes of education and training have been approved by the Council of the PSI at its meeting held on 16 May 2013 to meet the requirements under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 525 of 2011):

(i)    Ab intio training for first-time vaccinators

  • Providers should note that the content for the full programme for first time vaccinators should meet the requirements set out in Appendix A of the PSI’s Interim Accreditation Standards for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Training Programmes for Pharmacists.

(ii)    Refresher (Level 1) training for pharmacists

  • Format:  Self-study, online plus live component on core practical skills of vaccine administration with assessment
  • Content: The content should review and have regard to the requirements set out in Appendix A of the PSI’s Interim Accreditation Standards for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Training Programmes for Pharmacists but with a particular focus on relevant updates since 2012. The face-to-face aspect should allow the pharmacist to build confidence and competence in proper vaccine administration and technique (includes assessment of need for vaccine, screening for contraindications and precautions, educating patients regarding the vaccine, appropriate documentation, and proper injection technique). Familiarisation with vaccine product specific to the 2013-14 ‘flu season.

(iii)    Refresher (Level 2) training for pharmacists

  • Format: Self-study and online delivery
  • Content: Relevant updates since 2012, including, but not limited to, all National Immunisation Advisory Committee and National Immunisation Office updates relevant to seasonal influenza vaccination and related matters subsequent to September 2012 and current peer-reviewed and professional literature relevant to season influenza vaccination services and related matters, such as error reporting systems. Online video demonstration of proper vaccine administration and technique.  Familiarisation with vaccine product specific to the 2013-14 ‘flu season.

(iv)    CPR/anaphylaxis management training

  • Format: Must include a live component and assessment of CPR and adrenaline administration
  • Content: Responses to an emergency situation as a result of the administration of influenza vaccination, including the identification and management of anaphylaxis and other adverse events following immunisation,  reporting of adverse reactions/events including reporting of medication errors, training in basic life support, management of anaphylaxis, adverse reactions, and other emergencies through use of adrenaline, other drugs, devices.


Providers should note that all programmes are required for delivery for the purposes of the 2013-’14 Seasonal Influenza Season. As all eligible programmes will require PSI Council approval, the PSI will accredit all programmes with respect to the PSI’s Accreditation Standards.

Please contact the PSI’s Professional Development & Learning Unit at education@thepsi.ie if you require any further information.

Prospective providers of the above-mentioned programmes of education and training should make known their intentions to seek PSI approval of the course of training at the earliest opportunity to education@thepsi.ie but no later than Friday, 31 May 2013.

Information on the submission process for the purposes of accreditation will be available very shortly.

Back to News List