Pathfinder
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Province may have pharmacists inject H1N1 vaccine
Updated: Tue Aug. 25 2009 16:56:56
Pharmacists and paramedics may be called in to help doctors and nurses administer the H1N1 flu vaccine this fall.
Health officials are encouraging people to take advantage of the free seasonal flu vaccine being offered to Albertans over the age of six months by mid-November.
John Tuckwell, spokesperson for Alberta Health and Wellness said the decision to call on pharmacists and paramedics is still under consideration.
Two years ago, pharmacists in Alberta were given the option to get take training courses and apply to be certified to administer injections.
"In 2007, our legislative changes made it possible for pharmacists to administer vaccines," said Tuckwell. There's a possibility pharmacists are already trained to provide injections would be included in the plan, he added.
The province is also considering altering the legislation to allow paramedics to give vaccinations.
Karen Mills, spokeswoman for Alberta College of Pharmacists said of the 4,000 pharmacists in the province, about 316 are authorized to give vaccinations.
Mills said she expects that number to increase as more pharmacists are choosing to take the appropriate training courses and get certified.
Just last week, Dr. Andr? Corriveau, Alberta's chief medical officer, stressed the importance of Albertans getting vaccinated in order to reduce the transmission of the H1N1 virus.
Corriveau predicted that if 75 to 80 per cent of Albertans receive the vaccine, it will significantly reduce the transmission of H1N1.
http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...m_pharmacist_090825/20090825?hub=EdmontonHome
Updated: Tue Aug. 25 2009 16:56:56
Pharmacists and paramedics may be called in to help doctors and nurses administer the H1N1 flu vaccine this fall.
Health officials are encouraging people to take advantage of the free seasonal flu vaccine being offered to Albertans over the age of six months by mid-November.
John Tuckwell, spokesperson for Alberta Health and Wellness said the decision to call on pharmacists and paramedics is still under consideration.
Two years ago, pharmacists in Alberta were given the option to get take training courses and apply to be certified to administer injections.
"In 2007, our legislative changes made it possible for pharmacists to administer vaccines," said Tuckwell. There's a possibility pharmacists are already trained to provide injections would be included in the plan, he added.
The province is also considering altering the legislation to allow paramedics to give vaccinations.
Karen Mills, spokeswoman for Alberta College of Pharmacists said of the 4,000 pharmacists in the province, about 316 are authorized to give vaccinations.
Mills said she expects that number to increase as more pharmacists are choosing to take the appropriate training courses and get certified.
Just last week, Dr. Andr? Corriveau, Alberta's chief medical officer, stressed the importance of Albertans getting vaccinated in order to reduce the transmission of the H1N1 virus.
Corriveau predicted that if 75 to 80 per cent of Albertans receive the vaccine, it will significantly reduce the transmission of H1N1.
http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...m_pharmacist_090825/20090825?hub=EdmontonHome