The immunization training and certification for pharmacists and integration of immunization topics in the pharmacy curriculum: The Philippine experience
Author: Imelda G. Peña
Category: Pharmacy
Abstract:
The Immunizing Pharmacist Certification Program of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. took seven years before finally being accredited in March 2021 as a consequence of stakeholders’ collaboration and legal mandates. Levels 1 to 3 of the program are conducted online due to the pandemic, while Level 4 involves a face-to-face supervised skills assessment. Aside from accredited training and certification, the Philippine Pharmacy Act requires essential topics on immunization to be integrated in the pharmacy curriculum. The Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy has successfully incorporated these topics in the identified first to third year courses. Fourth year students may take mock skills assessment prior to internship if they plan to eventually become immunizing pharmacists. Immunization certification programs in Southeast Asia differ per country, with some having none. Hence, pharmacy leaders are strongly encouraged to implement similar certification programs in their countries to advance and benefit the pharmacy profession and society.
