Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act No. 53 of 1974)

Board Notices

A Pharmacist who offers Immunisation Services in South Africa: Scope of Practice, Competency Standards and the Criteria to Accredit a Generic Short Course for Pharmacists in Immunisation and Injection Technique, and delivering Immunisation Services

3. Summary of Competency Standards for Pharmacists providing Immunisation Services

Domain 2: Safe and Rational use of Vaccine and Administration Device
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INTRODUCTION

 

Domain 2 covers competencies that are required to ensure the safe and rational use of vaccines and administration devices. In this domain effective verbal and non-verbal methods of communication with patients are essential competencies.

 

The competencies required in the domain for the safe and rational use of vaccines are:

 

2.1 Patient consultation;

 

2.2 Communication with patient, caregiver, and agent of a patient;

 

2.3 Patient management; and

 

2.4 Vaccine and administration device safety.

 

DOMAIN 2: SAFE AND RATIONAL USE OF VACCINES AND ADMINISTRATION DEVICES

COMPETENCIES

BEHAVIOURAL STATEMENTS
2.1 Patient consultation
2.1.1 Ensure that there is a consultation/private area appropriate for the administration of vaccines.
2.1.2 Ensure that all necessary equipment is available in the consultation area.
2.1.3 Obtain an informed written/electronic patient consent.
2.1.4 Establish if a person meets the vaccination criteria.
2.1.5 Undertake a thorough pre-vaccination assessment.
2.1.6 Maintain patient privacy.
2.2 Communication with patient, caregiver, and agent of a patient
2.2.1 Explain the procedure to the patient.
2.2.2 Establish an effective and robust communication system.
2.2.3 Advise consumers on any boosters and post-administration care.
2.2.4 Describe the service to the patient.
2.2.5 Communicate the benefits of vaccination versus the risk of disease.
2.2.6 Have knowledge of the relevant diseases and vaccines to be able to explain the vaccination to the individual, parent or guardian of the individual who is to consent to the vaccination on behalf of the individual, to ensure that the individual or parent or guardian of the individual can give informed consent to the vaccination.
2.2.7 Provide reassurance to the patient/parent/caregiver.
2.2.8 Provide advice on potential adverse events.
2.3 Patient management
2.3.1 Screen patients for contraindications.
2.3.2 Identify the signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to vaccines.
2.3.3 Monitor the patient for adverse events following immunisation, including anaphylactic shock.
2.3.4 Provide management of adverse events following immunisation, including the performance of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and refer to an appropriate healthcare professional where necessary.
2.3.5 Provide the patient with post vaccination care.
2.4 Vaccine and administration device safety
2.4.1 Manage the logistics (including cold chain management), administration and post vaccination care of both on and off-site vaccinations.
2.4.2 Take appropriate action in the event of a needle stick injury or the spillage of blood or vaccine.
2.4.3 Have knowledge of the safe and effective handling of immunisation products, administration device, and equipment.