Influenza Immunization Protocols
In 2010, the South Carolina General Assembly enacted Act 224 authorizing pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccine to individuals 18 years without a prescription drug order pursuant to a protocol issued by the SC Board of Medical Examiners. The Act established a Joint Pharmacist Administered Influenza Vaccine Committee comprised of pharmacists, physicians and nurse practitioners to recommend a protocol to the Board of Medical Examiners. On November 10, 2010, the Committee’s recommendation was approved by the Board of Medical Examiners. The protocol has been signed and is now considered effective.
This is the first legislation to be passed in South Carolina directly addressing pharmacist-administered immunizations. The new protocol issued by the Board of Medical Examiners gives a pharmacist prescriptive authority for the influenza vaccine to patients 18 years and older. It is important to understand vaccine administration by pharmacists was an existing practice in South Carolina prior to this new protocol. Pharmacists can administer vaccines pursuant to a patient specific prescription drug order (individual prescription or an order derived from a collaborative practice agreement). This current practice remains effective – the state flu protocol does not replace current practice, but provides an additional authorization for administering the flu vaccine.
What sort of CPR training do I need for this program?
According to the protocol, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification. The pharmacist must complete the American Heart Association “BLS for Healthcare Providers Course” and possess a valid Course Completion Card. This certification must be renewed every 2 years.