Immunizations

Question 1

What immunizations are pharmacists authorized to administer in the state of Iowa?

Answer 1

1. A pharmacist that meets specific requireemnts may administer any vaccine via prescription.
2. Under an immunization protocol, a pharmacist may administer any vaccines to patients 18 or older in accordance with ACIP recommendations,
3. Under an immunization protocol, an authorized pharmacist may administer travel immunizations in patients 18 or older,
4. Under an immunization protocol, an authorized pharmacist may administer influenza and emergency vaccines to patients 6 years or older.

Question 2

What shall an authorized pharmacist do in the case of a serious complication from a prescribed vaccination?

Answer 2

1. Notify the prescriber who authorized the prescription within 24 hours.
2. Submit the incident to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
3. Reference 39.10

Question 3

What are continuing education/training requirements for pharmacists to administer vaccinations?

Answer 3

Pharmacists must maintain competency and document successful completion of continuing education/training requirements:

1. Certification in American Heart Association or Red Cross Basic Cardiac Life Support Protocol
2. Completion of course and hands-on training for administering vaccines
3. Completion of at least one hour of continuing education related to vaccines each license renewal period

Question 4

Describe how pharmacist may administer immunizations via Protocol

Answer 4

1. A pharmacist may administer immunizations pursuant to a prescriber-signed protocol unique to that pharmacy. This protocol may include: CDC-recommended adult immunizations, travel vaccines to adult patients, influenza vaccines to patients six years of age or older, or any emergency declared vaccinations. This prescriber-signed protocol identifies the pharmacists authorized to administer immunizations pursuant to the protocol.

Question 5

Describe how a pharmacist may administer immunizations via collaborative practice agreement

Answer 5

1. A pharmacist may administer immunizatinos via a CPA to patients of a specific physician who signed the CPA. These immunizations could include those outside the protocol options listed above (e.g. other vaccinations, other age groups, etc.)

Question 6

Describe how a pharmacist may administer immunizations via prescription

Answer 6

1. A pharmacist may administer any immunization if the patient has a prescription for the specific vaccine

Question 7

Can a pharmacist in the state of Iowa administer the Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Answer 7

1. Pharmacists in the state of Iowa may administer travel medications, including travel vaccinations, such as the Yellow Fever Vaccine.
2. Additional training is required to be certified to administer the Yellow Fever Vaccine.
3. Additional Information can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health website regarding how to become certified in administer Yellow Fever Vaccinations.

Question 8

What are the reporting requirements for a pharmacist administered immunization?

Answer 8

1. Within 30 days following the administration of a vaccine, the administration must be reported to the statewide immunization registry (IRIS) and the patient’s primary care physician, if known.
2. This reporting does not apply to influenza and other emergency vaccines.
3. If a serious adverse reaction occurs, the pharmacist within 24 hours shall notify the prescriber that authorized the protocol and submit a report to the Vaccine Advisory Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Question 9

What is the difference between an immunization protocol, collaborative practice agreement, and statewide standing order?

Answer 9

1. Immunization protocol: This protocol follows the CDC protocols and requires the signature of a licensed Iowa prescriber practicing in Iowa. The protocol allows the pharmacist to administer immunizations to any adult patients who wish to receive a vaccine, or children 6 years of age and older for influenza and emergency declared vaccines, and meets the CDC recommended criteria.
2. CPA: A CPA requires the signature of an authorized provider and allows the pharmacist to manage/administer medication therapy/immunizations for patients of that physician only.
3. Statewide Standing Order: A statewide standing order is signed by one provider and allows pharmacists to dispense the medication pursuant to that provider for any eligible candidate in the state. For example: naloxone.