Pharmacy Connection
In July, Health Canada authorized use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to five years of age. Pharmacy professionals are permitted to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to any age group, including infants and children, provided they complete College-approved injection training and appropriately assess their competence.
Pharmacy Connection is sharing three key resources to support pharmacy professionals who choose to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to patients six months to five years of age.
College Guidance
College guidance has been updated to clarify requirements for pharmacy professionals administering the COVID-19 vaccine to children:
- Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine by Pharmacy Professionals
- Providing COVID-19 Services in Community Pharmacies (formerly called COVID-19 Testing in Community Pharmacies)
Registrants are required to assess their competence – including being able to identify the most appropriate site, position and technique for injection – and, if needed, seek additional education and/or participate in practical training to ensure safe and effective administration of the vaccine to children.
Additionally, administration of the vaccine must occur in a private area of the pharmacy that is comfortable and appropriate for the patient and caregiver. Depending on the site for administration, this may require a flat, stable surface that is of sufficient size to accommodate positioning the patient.
As always, workflow considerations should be taken into account and the practice environment must support quality patient-centered care at all times.
Canadian Pharmacists Association
The Canadian Pharmacists Association offers quick tips for setting your pharmacy up for success when vaccinating kids and a webpage dedicated to childhood vaccination resources:
- Pharmacy Top Tips: Childhood Vaccinations – Setting your pharmacy up for success
- Resource Round-up: Childhood vaccination
Immunize Canada
Immunize Canada has several COVID-19 resources for healthcare professionals, including information on the CARD system, an evidence-based framework that teaches how to prepare for vaccination:
