Vilnius University Experts to Train Pharmacists to Administer Vaccines

Pharmacists will be actively involved in the fight against viral diseases – they will soon be able not only to provide consultations or advice, but also to administer vaccines. On 8 February, the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine (VU MF) will start training sessions in the basics of immunoprophylaxis for pharmacists. According to Indre Trečiokienė, the coordinator of the Pharmacy Study Programme at the VU MF, this is a significant boost for the profession of pharmacist, the health care system, and public health.

VU professionals, both instructors and practitioners, will provide pharmacists comprehensive knowledge in general subjects such as the development of immunity and the importance of immunoprophylaxis and in practical skills such as the preparation of patients for procedures, vaccine injection techniques, the completion of documentation, and the solution of various problems.

Upon completion of the course, pharmacists will acquire the professional qualification of advanced practice pharmacist, which entitles them to obtain a license and provide vaccination services. In this way, pharmacies and pharmacists will be able to contribute to the increase in vaccination coverage. According to Indre Trečiokienė, vaccination in pharmacies is already taking place in countries such as Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal and Estonia.

"The experience of these countries shows that with the involvement of pharmacies in immunoprophylaxis, more people are vaccinated in a shorter time, because it is possible to get vaccinated at a convenient time and place. Communication from pharmacies improves vaccination rates at treatment facilities as well. Pharmacists, meanwhile, are given the opportunity to gain additional skills and qualifications, which gives them personal confidence and promotes the visibility and recognition of the profession in society,” she says.

The training will be led by professionals: teachers and practitioners. Recommendations for vaccinating adults will be introduced by Prof Ligita Jančorienė. Lectures on the development of vaccines and the mechanisms of immunity will be given by Prof Aurelija Žvirblienė. Practical sessions with dummies will be performed by experienced nurses.

The Faculty of Medicine of VU aims to contribute to the progress of the health care system by developing the professional skills of pharmacists and, if necessary, plans to repeat the training sessions in the summer.