UNE College of Pharmacy offers state's first immunization training program for pharmacists
The University of New England College of Pharmacy is offering training for pharmacists who would like to provide immunizations to their customers along with information on immunization services.
The program includes 12 hours of self-study via online modules followed by eight hours of live training in a classroom. The program cost is $100 to cover training materials, and continuing education credits are applicable upon successful completion.
"The goal of this program is to train pharmacists with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immunizations and promote immunization services. Influenza and pneumonia are the 8th leading causes of death in Maine and this program fulfills an important public health service," said Kenneth “Mac” McCall, Pharm.D., associate professor and chair of UNE’ Department of Pharmacy Practice.
Instruction includes a review of vaccine schedules, immunization supplies, safe vaccine handling and storage with regard to OSHA regulations, immunization administration techniques, reimbursement procedures, and recognizing signs of an adverse reaction and providing first response measures.
The Bangor course will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Penobscot Community Center on Union Street. Though the Portland course to be held at UNE’s Portland Campus on Aug. 29, 2009 is already full, future classes will be scheduled if there is enough interest. To register for a class, call 207-221-4155, or e-mail kmccall@une.edu.