Injection-Certified Pharmacists can now Administer COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines to Children Two Years of Age and Older
Please be advised that pharmacists who have certification of authorization to administer drugs and vaccines by injection are now authorized to administer COVID-19 and seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines to individuals two (2) years of age and older effective immediately. This change also applies to pharmacy interns certified to administer COVID-19 vaccines through this application, and for flu vaccines.
Please note that the expansion to administer vaccines from the age of two (2) years and older is only for the COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines that are part of Manitoba’s Seasonal Influenza Immunization Program. The minimum age for pharmacist administration of all other vaccines remains at seven (7) years of age and older.
The College strongly encourages all injection-certified pharmacists and interns to review the following resource list to support the safe and effective administration of vaccines to children two years of age and older: https://cphm.ca/resource/administration-of-injections-to-young-children-ages-2-5-resource-list/ .
As always, pharmacists must practice within the scope of their competence, skill and knowledge.
Additionally, pharmacy professionals and pharmacy managers should review the following resource on preventing vaccine incidents and reducing the chances of patient harm: https://cphm.ca/resource/medication-incidents-in-covid-19-vaccine-administration-in-children-contributing-factors-and-prevention-strategies/
World Patient Safety Day Emphasizes WHO Challenge: Medication Without Harm
Medication incidents and unsafe medication practices are a leading cause of preventable harm across the world. The global cost of medication incidents is estimated to be $42 billion USD per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the magnitude of patient harm caused by medication incidents with its ongoing Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm. Building on this, the WHO has designated “Medication Safety” as the theme for World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2022.
On September 15, 2022, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba will honour World Patient Safety Day by presenting in a complimentary webinar hosted by ISMP Canada. Practice Consultant for Safety IQ, Ronda Eros, will discuss Safety IQ as part of ISMP Canada’s Med Safety Exchange webinar. For more information or to register, please visit https://ismpcanada.ca/resource/med-safety-exchange/#2022
Other ways that you can join the WHO mission of ‘Medication Without Harm’ to honour World Patient Safety Day are:
- Keep your skills in safe medication practices up to date
- Engage patients through shared decision-making using tools such as the 5 Moments for Medication Safety and implement actions related to the Know. Check. Ask. campaign
- Report medication safety incidents, and share and apply lessons learned with your team and patients when possible
- Be mindful of situations where risk from medications is high and ensure safety measures are followed
- Mentor new members of your team on safe medication systems and practices
- Share your enthusiasm for medication safety with your colleagues on social media
Pharmacy Signage – List of Available Products During the Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Shortage
Many health care providers and parents/caregivers are not aware of the various hypoallergenic infant formulas imported under the Interim policy on the importation and sale of infant formulas, human milk fortifiers and dietary products for the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism to mitigate shortages.
Health Canada has developed a list of available products during the hypoallergenic infant formula shortage that can be printed and used as signage on pharmacy shelves:
- English version
- French version
When assisting patients with formula decisions, pharmacists can refer to the updated Health Canada Use of Specialized Infant Formula During a Shortage – decision tree.
Manitoba Health Flu Season Registration Reminder
As per the memo sent to Manitoba pharmacists on August 22, 2022, pharmacists are reminded that Manitoba Health announced a remodelled ordering and delivering process for the 2022/23 influenza season and must register by filling out the form available at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/influenza-distribution-registration/.
Please note, registration is still required even for those who have administered the influenza vaccines in previous years or have already registered to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Providers/facilities cannot request vaccine until they have registered.
Consultation Notice Reminder
Manitoba Health and Seniors Care (MHSC) and Manitoba Public Health approached the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) with proposed amendments to the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Regulation to expand Schedule 2 to permit the ongoing administration of COVID-19 vaccines by pharmacists and to update the name of the provincial immunization database.
As a reminder, injection certified pharmacists are currently given the authority to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through a Ministerial Order, which may be repealed at the direction of the Minister of Health. The addition of the COVID-19 vaccine to Schedule 2 of the Regulation will permit injection certified pharmacists and pharmacy interns to continue administering the vaccine beyond the termination of the Ministerial Order.
The Amendment(s)
The two proposed amendments are:
- to enable injection certified pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a provincial immunization program, and
- to update the name of the provincial immunization database maintained by the Department as there is now a new database (PHIMS) that has replaced the one currently referenced (MIMS).
The Consultation
Council has approved a 30-day consultation period on the draft Regulation amendments.
The CPhM is committed to an open and transparent consultation process. All comments received will be considered by Council.
Please review the draft legislation here and provide feedback by email to feedback@cphm.ca by September 28, 2022.
Career Opportunity: Practice Consultant – Policy and Legislation
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba is presently in search of a Practice Consultant – Policy and Legislation, to fill a term position. This individual will collaborate closely with colleagues across all division of the organization to analyze, develop, and maintain policies, standards, and other guidance items for pharmacy practice.
This is a full-time, term position, Monday to Friday, based on a 37.5 – hour workweek. Start and length of term to be negotiated, based on successful candidate’s availability.
For a complete description of the duties, qualifications, and required attributes for this position, and to apply, view the on-line posting: https://www.fitzii.com/apply/69847?s=fc
Applications will be reviewed from all sources as received until the position is filled.
The College values diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified people to apply.
College of Pharmacists of Manitoba Office Repairs
Please be advised that the CPhM office is currently undergoing maintenance work and retrofitting to the building foundation. This work is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
Regular hours are being maintained through the construction, however there is limited parking and foot traffic to the front door may be restricted at times. Please call ahead before visiting the CPhM office to ensure appropriate staff are available to assist you.
Upcoming Events & Professional Development Opportunities
CPDPP Indigenous Trauma and Equity Informed Practice Webinar and Workshop
Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacy Professionals (CPDPP) in collaboration with Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals, Alberta College of Pharmacy, and College of Pharmacists of Manitoba, presents an informative and meaningful learning experience with Len Pierre Consulting. For more information and to register, click here.
Targeting Isolation Pharmacy Survey
Click here to participate in a University of Manitoba, research study entitled Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
Mental Health First Aid Standard (Virtual) Certification Courses
See website for dates and registration information. Please note this is a non-accredited learning activity.
ISMP Incident Analysis and Proactive Risk Assessment for Health Care Practitioners and Patient/Family Advisors
September 29-30, October 22-23, November 24-25, and December 8-9, 2022
Register here.
ISMP MedRec and BPMH Training for Health Care Professionals
September 23 and November 18, 2022
Register here.
Medication Safety Considerations for Compliance Packaging
Register here.
Preventing and Analyzing Medication Errors
Register here.