To help with the Covid-19 vaccination rollout in community pharmacy, four new complimentary Covid-19 vaccination educational resources for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have been released by the Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP) and Guild Learning and Development.
These clinical resources reportedly 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’.
“We have created these user-friendly online resources to help pharmacists and their assistants learn quickly and efficiently,” says ACP President Michelle Bou-Samra, adding that the resources provide a one-stop-shop for clinical Covid-19 vaccination resources, as well as some patient-facing information.
“The scenario videos train 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.
“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,” says Ms Bou-Samra.
Additionally, the ACP say they will continue to expand the resources as other vaccines become available in community 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,” says Ms Bou-Samra.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Trent Twomey says that Guild Learning and Development are proud to have collaborated with the ACP on these educational 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,” says Mr Twomey.
“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 says.
Additionally, Mr Twomey says the use of the A-Z guide should only be in conjunction with pharmacist’s individual state or territory Covid-19 directions and vaccination requirements and guidelines.
To access the complimentary resources, visit: acp.edu.au
