Can Pharmacy Technicians administer vaccines in a community pharmacy
The pandemic changed how pharmacies, pharmacists, and technicians operate in some sense. Many states expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists and technicians.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw some state laws expand the scope of pharmacy technicians, enabling them to provide vaccinations. In this blog post, we cover some of these updates and requirements.
States that allow, or have pending rules, Pharmacy Technicians to administer vaccinations in a community pharmacy:
Colorado, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington
It is essential to remember that Pharmacy Technicians do not have a blanket scope to administer the vaccination. Here are some of the requirements that must be satisfied. Requirements do vary by state:
1. Pharmacy technicians must have appropriate state-approved training related to vaccine administration
2. Pharmacy technicians may not screen patients
3. State laws might have minimum patient age requirements
4. State laws might have vaccination-related CE requirements for pharmacy technicians
5. Must be under the direct supervision of a pharmacist
Ultimately the pharmacist and pharmacy manager are responsible for all Pharmacy Technician activities that occur in the pharmacy.
Here is an MPJE style question related to this topic:
The state law allows pharmacy technicians to administer some vaccines to select patients. Which of the following is true (select all that apply):
A. Licensed/Registered pharmacy technicians can administer the vaccine
B. Licensed/Registered pharmacy technicians can administer the vaccine under the direct supervision of the pharmacist
C. Licensed/Registered pharmacy technicians must complete state-approved training in this topic before they are allowed to perform this activity
D. Licensed/Registered pharmacy technicians with approved training can administer vaccines independently
E. Licensed/Registered pharmacy technicians authorized to administer vaccines can do so while the pharmacist is on lunch break
Scroll down for answer
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Answer:
C only is correct
A and B – Incorrect: does not indicate the tech has appropriate/approved training
D and E – Incorrect: must be under the direct supervision of a pharmacist at all times