— PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS —
COVID-19 VACCINE ADMINISTRATION 101
H
ealthcare providers’ success in controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections significantly improved with the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the first COVID-19 vaccine in the United States on Dec. 20, 2020.1 Since then, due to the gravity of the public health emergency and the novelty of the vaccines, COVID-19 vaccinators are expected to keep informed of all aspects concerning vaccine administration and potential adverse effects.
Increased Vaccinator Demand By GREGG S. POTTER, Ph.D., B.S. Pharm., R.Ph., MPA Professional Affairs Committee; professor of pharmacology, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy; pharmacist, Rowe Pharmacy Care Clinic
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MichiganPharmacists.org
With the increased demand for vaccinations, there has developed an increased demand for vaccinators. In many practice settings across the country, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have significantly shifted their roles to primarily being involved with the handling, preparation and administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. Additional responsibilities have included being prepared to respond to the vaccine recipients’ questions and concerns before and after vaccination. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, different strategies are often required to maintain clinical preventative services. Beyond the initial training that was attained by each vaccine provider, there is an evolving need for updated information and training as healthcare professionals learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccines used to improve the fight against the disease. Vaccine providers within pharmacy can help to improve the vaccination process by contributing to the reporting systems established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).2 Reporting systems, both required and voluntary, are in place to track the occurrence of adverse effects associated with the use of each of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines.2 Likewise, when errors in administration occur, vaccine providers are able to report the events to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).2 Reporting of adverse effects educates vaccinators, thereby providing more effective counseling tools for patients. Reporting of vaccine administration errors leads to the development of strategies to prevent future occurrences by healthcare providers.2
