PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Techs to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics

[UPDATE - March 14, 2021]

On March 14, 2021, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an updated an updated order allowing a number of health professions, including pharmacy technicians, to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics with appropriate training.

The March 14, 2021 order replaces and repeals the previously issued order that was released on February 23, 2021.

Learn More: ReadLinks - PHO Issues Updates to Order Authorizing Pharmacy Techs to Work in COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Techs to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics

As part of BC’s Covid-19 Immunization Plan, the Provincial Health Officer has issued an order to allow a number of health professions, including pharmacy technicians, to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics with appropriate training.

The order authorizes pharmacy technicians to participate in the preparation of vaccines, including the drawing of doses from a vial, and also includes specific Limits and Mandatory Training requirements.

This must be conducted in accordance with the resources issued by the BC Centre for Disease Control. Pharmacy Technicians must also complete all Mandatory Training before performing this immunization activity and comply with the Specific Limits.

Immunization Activity, Limits and Mandatory Training for Pharmacy Technicians

Immunization Activities	Services Specifically excluded from the authorized immunization activity	specific limits	mandatory training
Preparation of vaccines, including the drawing of doses from a vial	Initial patient assessment, including review of patient assessment forms to determine suitability of a patient for immunization and obtaining patient consent; Administering an injection of a COVID-19 vaccine; Post-immunization monitoring of the patient, including monitoring for adverse events (i.e. anaphylaxis), situation assessment and treatment of adverse events.	Must be supervised by a pharmacist who is authorized under the Pharmacists Regulation, and competent, to perform the Immunization Activity.	BC Centre for Disease Control’s – Immunization Competency Course [C1] BCCDC COVID-19 Immunization Webinars [D] Dry Ice Handling Safety Training course [F]

Immunization Activities

Services Specifically excluded from the authorized immunization activity

specific limits

mandatory training

Preparation of vaccines, including the drawing of doses from a vial

Initial patient assessment, including review of patient assessment forms to determine suitability of a patient for immunization and obtaining patient consent;
Administering an injection of a COVID-19 vaccine;
Post-immunization monitoring of the patient, including monitoring for adverse events (i.e. anaphylaxis), situation assessment and treatment of adverse events.

Must be supervised by a pharmacist who is authorized under the Pharmacists Regulation, and competent, to perform the Immunization Activity.

BC Centre for Disease Control’s – Immunization Competency Course [C1]

BCCDC COVID-19 Immunization Webinars [D]

Dry Ice Handling Safety Training course [F]

Table above adapted from Appendix A: Immunization Activity, Limitations and Mandatory Training , ORDER OF THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER, REGULATED AND UNREGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SARS-CoV-2 IMMUNIZATION ORDER – February 23, 2021.

Order of The Provincial Health Officer

Regulated and Unregulated Health Professionals

SARS-CoV-2 Immunization Order - February 23, 2021

(View the Full Order)

Note: The order does not apply to health professionals who can normally provide immunization services under their health profession regulations. For more information on BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan and Pharmacist’s Injection Authority see the related ReadLinks article here.

More information about how pharmacy technicians can participate in COVID-19 immunization clinics is expected in the coming days. The College will provide updates as they become available.

PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Techs to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics Feb. 24, 2021

PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Techs to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics

Order of The Provincial Health Officer

Regulated and Unregulated Health Professionals

SARS-CoV-2 Immunization Order - February 23, 2021