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Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act No. 53 of 1974)

Board Notices

A Pharmacist who offers Immunisation Services in South Africa: Scope of Practice, Competency Standards and the Criteria to Accredit a Generic Short Course for Pharmacists in Immunisation and Injection Technique, and delivering Immunisation Services

Part 2: Competency Standards for a Pharmacist who provides Immunisation Services

2. Background

 

Regulation 18(6)(b) of the Regulations relating to the practice of pharmacy indicates the provision of immunisation as part of the scope of practice of a pharmacist which can be provided in a community or institutional pharmacy provided that the pharmacist is competent to provide the service and is in possession of a permit issued in terms of section 22A(15) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965. Rule 2.14 of the Rules relating to good pharmacy practice further support pharmacist’s involvement in activities related to immunisation, as well as the actual administration of vaccines to members of the public and acknowledges the fact that the involvement of pharmacists in immunisation activities would vary depending on the practice setting.

 

The FIP report outlines the role of pharmacists in vaccination as follows:

 

(a) advocacy activities;
(b) regulatory frameworks;
(c) vaccine administration;
(d) training and certification; and
(e) keeping vaccination records.