This webinar was recorded on the 24th March 2021. You can watch the recording here:
Speakers:
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Fionnuala King, Chief Pharmacist, Acute Hospital Drugs Management Programme, HSE
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Muriel Pate, Medication Safety Specialist Pharmacist, National Quality Improvement Team, HSE
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Joan Peppard, Pharmacy Lead for Dublin & Mid-Leinster Hospital Group Centralised Vaccination Centres
Summary:
Pharmacists and pharmacy teams play a crucial role in the medicines management of centralised vaccination clinics in Ireland.
In this webinar, the panel discusses the importance of vaccine stewardship and the specific responsibilities of pharmacists in these clinics. They highlight the layout and processes of the clinics, including vaccine preparation, goods in wards, and reception areas. The staffing and salary structure are also discussed, with pharmacists supported by technicians and front shop staff.
The speakers also emphasise the significance of appropriate medicines management to ensure the safe and efficient administration of vaccines. Factors that impact the number of doses extracted from vials are explored, as well as considerations regarding biological contamination and handling multiple vaccines. The speakers address the challenges and complexities associated with managing medicines in these clinics, as well as the importance of real-time information and centralisation of records. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different vaccination centres are encouraged, along with the need for ancillary staff to support the effort. The webinar concludes by urging pharmacists to get involved and utilise all available vaccines efficiently to avoid supply issues.