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Community Pharmacy Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ceisteanna (600)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

693 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason qualified assistants working in pharmacies were disqualified from administering flu vaccines despite having been advised to take up training by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19901/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Regulations were introduced in October 2011 to provide a legal basis for community pharmacists to supply and administer seasonal influenza vaccine.

Unlike registered pharmacists, pharmaceutical assistants are not subject to statutory fitness to practise requirements and disciplinary sanctions under the Pharmacy Act 2007 and, therefore, cannot be held personally accountable or restricted from practise for professional misconduct or poor professional performance. In addition, the Act places no legal obligation on pharmaceutical assistants to undertake continuing professional development to ensure that they continue to be competent and fit to be registered. Other health professionals involved in the administration of vaccines to patients, i.e. medical practitioners and nurses, are subject to fitness to practise and disciplinary sanction in the event of professional misconduct.

As a consequence, when the legislation allowing for the administration of seasonal influenza vaccinations by pharmacists was being drafted, it was decided that it should not extend to pharmaceutical assistants.

The Health Service Executive have advised that all communications on the seasonal flu vaccination programme, including training, were directed to community pharmacy contractors.

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