Moving the Needle: Immunization Training for Pharmacy Technicians

Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 • 1-4 p.m. EST

If you are interested in taking this training, please email Assistant Clinical Professor Joe Fava at joseph.fava@wayne.edu.

Students learning in the Wayne State vaccination training lab In the presence of a worldwide pandemic, certified immunizers are needed now more than ever. On October 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized pharmacy technicians as qualified personnel to provide vaccinations. However, in order to qualify as an immunization provider, each pharmacy technician must complete an ACPE-approved practical training program.

Moving the Needle: Immunization Training for Pharmacy Technicians is a certificate training program specifically designed for pharmacy technicians to meet this requirement. Developed by pharmacy faculty and preceptors of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University, the program provides pharmacy technicians with all the skills necessary to safely and effectively provide immunizations in the pharmacy setting.

Program Goal:

To develop competency for initial qualifications in the provision of pharmacy-based immunization services among pharmacy technicians

Target Audience:

Pharmacy Technicians

"The content of this course was very applicable to my daily practice and I am excited to be able to expand my role as a technician." (anonymous trainee review)

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this application-based activity, the participant will be able to:

Describe the mechanism of vaccines and the disease they prevent.
Explain proper vaccine handling and storage requirements.
Generate effective communication and collaboration skills with pharmacists and patients during pharmacy-based vaccine provision.
Demonstrate proper technique when administering intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.
Apply necessary regulatory requirements and safety procedures during the entire immunization process

"This was a well-rounded course with a lot of good information and opportunities to engage the audience." (anonymous trainee review)

Program Format:

Application-based continuing pharmacy education (CPE) activity

The training program consists of three components:

1. Online Self-Study

Collection of five learning modules that provide learners with information necessary to establish competency in

Basic vaccinology and vaccine-preventable diseases
Vaccine handling and storage
Practice concepts in the delivery of pharmacy-based immunization services
Vaccine administration techniques
Post-vaccination procedures and regulatory requirements

Learners must complete and pass a self-study assessment with a minimum score of 70% (maximum two attempts) in order to take the Virtual Live Training.

"The online material was great. It was very informative, organized and easy to understand." (anonymous trainee review)

2. Virtual Live Training

This webinar presentation will be held at the date and time indicated using the Zoom videoconferencing software platform. This can be accessed using Zoom online or by downloading the Zoom application for your operating system (https://zoom.us/download). For software, internet, and operating system requirements see: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/204003179-System-Requirements-for-Zoom-Rooms

3. In-person Injection Technique Assessment (ITA)

After successful completion of the Online Self-Study and Virtual Live Training, the learner will self-schedule their ITA with an authorized program injection technique assessor. A list of assessors, their location and availability will be provided at the end of the Virtual Live Training.

"Very well done, educational course with knowledgeable and helpful speakers. Any questions were answered right away." (anonymous trainee review)

The Detroit Medical Center Department of Pharmacy Services is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Pharmacy technicians who complete the online self-study modules and the self-study assessment with a grade of at least 70%, attend the live virtual activity, and complete the in-person injection technique assessment and online course evaluations, will be awarded 6 hours (0.6 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education credit after providing their NABP e-Profile number and four-digit birthdate within 60 days of the live activity date. A Statement of Continuing Pharmacy Education Credit will be available through CPE Monitor within 48 hours of completion and submission of the evaluations.

ACPE Universal Activity Numbers (UAN):

Online Self-Study – 2.5 hours (0.25 CEU) UAN 0510-9999-23-006-H06-T
Virtual Live Activity and Injection Technique Assessment – 3.5 hours (0.35 CEU) UAN 0510-9999-23-007-L06-T
Initial Release Date: February 2, 2023
Expiration Date: February 2, 2026

To register:

Please email Assistant Clinical Professor Joe Fava at joseph.fava@wayne.edu. You will be contacted as soon as registration information becomes available.