TRAINING OF PHARMACISTS INVOLVED IN ADMINISTRATION OF INFLUENZA VACCINATION AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3230

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 12 NOVEMBER 2024

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 6325

To ask the Minister for Health with regard to the new trial where trained pharmacists will be allowed to administer influenza vaccinations at selected locations (a) whether these pharmacists are subjected to additional training; and (b) what safety protocols are in place in the event a person develops a sudden adverse allergic reaction to the vaccine shortly after being administered at one of the retail pharmacy outlets under this trial.

Answer

1        Pharmacists are required to complete necessary training and undergo competency assessments, to participate in the sandbox for influenza vaccinations. The protocols to response to allergic reactions is no different from vaccinations in other settings, i.e. post-vaccination monitoring for 15 minutes, administering adrenaline autoinjectors and referral to further medical help when necessary.