The Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP) and Guild Learning and Development announced the release of four new complimentary COVID-19 vaccination educational resources for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants.
The clinical resources, developed in a partnership between the ACP and Guild Learning and Development, include:
• multi-dose vial training for both COVID-19 vaccines Pfizer and AstraZeneca
• a video with Associate Professor, Paul Griffin answering frequently asked questions
• a series of training videos on informed consent
• a clinical resources guide, titled “An A-Z of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for Community Pharmacists”
ACP President, Michelle Bou-Samra, said the resources were complementary for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants nationally, providing a hub for clinical COVID-19 vaccination resources, as well as some patient-engagement information.
“We have created these user-friendly online resources to support pharmacists and pharmacy assistants with different scenarios they may be presented with, in their pharmacy,” said Ms Bou-Samra.
“The scenario videos guide and support pharmacists on patient-focused interactions, plus there’s a special COVID-19 vaccinations Q&A video from Associate Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at the Mater in Brisbane.
“We’ve compiled the answers to many of the questions we’ve been getting, all in one place.”
Ms Bou-Samra also said the College would continue to expand the COVID-19 vaccination resources for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants in preparation for other vaccines becoming available in community pharmacies in the future.
“We anticipate updating and expanding the resources regularly, so we remain responsive and current with relevant information we provide to pharmacists who are participating in COVID-19 vaccination delivery.”
“From unpacking Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) right through to Zero COVID Strategy, we’ve compiled the answers to many of the questions we’ve been getting, all in one place.”
Ms Bou-Samra also said the College would continue to expand the COVID-19 vaccination resources for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants in preparation for other vaccines becoming available in community pharmacies in the future.
“We anticipate updating and expanding the resources regularly, so we remain responsive and current with relevant information we provide to pharmacists who are participating in COVID-19 vaccination delivery.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Trent Twomey said that Guild Learning and Development was proud to have collaborated with the ACP on the COVID-19 vaccine resources.
“These new resources will be essential tools for pharmacists wanting to grow their knowledge base about COVID-19 vaccinations and continue improving patient interactions,” said Mr Twomey, “As trusted healthcare professionals, community pharmacists are often the first point of call for information about COVID-19 and the available vaccinations.”
“While anyone administering a COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies has undergone the Commonwealth’s mandatory training with the Australian College of Nurses, some of the information in these resources expand on pharmacist’s knowledge, like the section on myths and misinformation or unpacking the herd immunity and how it fits into the broader COVID-19 vaccination plan as outlined by the Australian Government,” he said.
Mr Twomey also said the use of the A-Z guide should only be in conjunction with a pharmacist’s individual state or territory COVID-19 directions and vaccination requirements and guidelines.
The complimentary resources can be viewed at www.acp.edu.au.