PPhA: Pharmacists now allowed to administer COVID-19 vaccines through certification program

Pharmacists are now allowed to administer COVID-19 vaccines through the Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program, the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, the PPhA said the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy have accredited the association to train and certify Filipino pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines to adults through the said certification program.

Upon completion, certified pharmacists can already provide professional services as immunizers in designated vaccine sites of the Department of Health to strengthen the country's vaccination program.

The PPhA noted that under Section 4, Article I of the Philippine Pharmacy Act, pharmacists can administer adult vaccines as approved by the Food and Drug Administration provided that they undergo training on the safe administration of these vaccines and management of Adverse Event Following Immunization for pharmacists.

Pharmacists should also have a certificate of training issued by an institution duly accredited by the PRC before they are allowed to administer adult vaccines, the law added.

Health Undersecretary Dr. Rosario Vergeire said there is an expected greater demand for human resources for health that will administer vaccines as the country ramps up its COVID-19 vaccination program.

"We thank the Philippine Pharmacists Association for their initiatives and assistance during these challenging times," she said.

"As a long-time partner of the Department of Health in advocating better health outcomes, we look forward to the accreditation of the PPhA as a training provider for pharmacists. These collaborations with professional societies are instrumental to bringing an end to this pandemic," she added.

PPhA president Maria Gilda Sebua-Saljay said the association is "proud to play  an end-to-end role in the country’s national vaccination program."

"We will continue to collaborate closely with our fellow healthcare professionals in ensuring safe and effective vaccinations as we work towards the full recovery of the Philippines," she added.

Pharmacists who are interested to undergo the PPhA Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program may sign up through this link: https://bit.ly/IPCP_Application. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News