Immunization Certification

Immunization-certified pharmacists are authorized in Texas to administer a variety of adult vaccines and childhood influenza vaccines under standing orders from a licensed physician.

Pharmacist immunization certification requirements: Pharmacists who enter into a written protocol with a physician to administer immunizations or vaccinations shall complete a course provided by an ACPE-approved provider which requires documentation by the pharmacist of current certification in the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health-Care Providers or its equivalent, and is an evidence-based course which includes study material, hands-on training in techniques for administering immunizations or vaccines, and requires testing with a passing score. The course must meet current Centers for Disease Control training guidelines and provide a minimum of 20 hours of instruction and experiential training in the following content areas:

• standards for pediatric, adolescent, and adult immunization practices;
• basic immunology and vaccine protection;
• vaccine-preventable diseases;
• recommended immunization schedules (pediatric/adolescent/adult);
• vaccine storage and management;
• informed consent;
• physiology and techniques for vaccine administration;
• pre- and post-vaccine assessment and counseling;
• immunization record management; and
• adverse events identification and appropriate response, and documentation and reporting.

TPA provides APhA’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program throughout the year. This course is an innovative and interactive training program that teaches pharmacists the skills necessary to become a primary source for vaccine information and administration. The program teaches the basics of immunology and focuses on practice implementation and legal/regulatory issues. Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate training program is a Practice-based activity conducted in two parts: a self-study learning component and a live training seminar. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete all program components.

For information on upcoming Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery courses, click here to view the TPA Calendar of Events.

To Maintain Immunization Certification

To maintain immunization certification, pharmacists must:

• Receive 3 hours of continuing education every 2 years which are designed to maintain competency in the disease states, drugs, and administration of immunizations or vaccinations; and
• Maintain current certification in the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health-Care Providers or its equivalent.
• Maintain documentation of completion of the initial course.

TPA provides immunization continuing education that will help meet the pharmacist's continuing education requirement for certification. To check upcoming dates visit the TPA Calendar of Events, or attend online CE: view our Online Self-Paced CE catalog or your Online CE Portfolio.

Education Opportunities

TPA offers online, self-paced immunization education at the Rxperts Center for Excellence.

TPA provides live immunization education at the annual TPA Conference & Expo.


Resources

Sample Immunization Standing Order

DSHS Document on Standing Delegation Orders

Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age

Adult Immunization Schedule by Age

Vaccines for Children Provider Information

Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women

Vaccine Information Statements

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)