Flu Season and The COVID-19 Pandemic Oct. 30, 2020 Immunization

Flu Season And The COVID-19 Pandemic 

As BC continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers across the province have implemented varying systems in order to accommodate the delivery of the seasonal influenza vaccine. 

“We know that influenza will be coming, and we know that we can take measures to protect ourselves and our families, by being immunized.” 
   - Dr. Bonnie Henry 

Influenza is an infection of the upper airway caused by the influenza virus that can spread  from person to person through coughing, sneezing or face-to-face contact. The influenza virus is responsible for more Canadian fatalities per year than all other vaccine-preventable illnesses combined. Every year, thousands of British Columbians are afflicted by the virus, usually between the months of November and March, during what most of us refer to as “Flu Season.” 

One of the best ways to protect yourself against influenza and reduce the spread of the virus, is by getting vaccinated. During this year’s flu season, getting vaccinated plays a doubly important role in reducing the burden on the healthcare system, amid a potential resurgence of COVID-19. 

Getting Your Influenza Vaccine During COVID-19

The College’s Drug Administration Certification requirement and Standards, Limits and Conditions for Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route ensures that qualified pharmacists, and other authorized registrants, can safely provide flu shots in BC. 

In BC, influenza vaccines are provided free to people who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza (such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions), those able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk, and people who provide essential community services. People who are not eligible for a free influenza vaccine may purchase it at pharmacies that have available inventory. For more information on influenza vaccines in BC and eligibility criteria for publicly funded supplies, visit ImmunizeBC. 

Under normal circumstances, most pharmacies offer injection services on a walk-in basis. However, due to COVID-19, some BC pharmacies are employing different approaches to help prevent the spread of the virus while providing flu immunizations (e.g. appointment systems and screening questionnaires). 

Providing Immunization Services During COVID-19

The COVID-19 response has affected many clinical services throughout the province. Although a variety of health care services can be delivered remotely through telehealth and some digital applications, the provision of immunizations  requires direct contact with the public. (BCCDC, BC Ministry of Health)

The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) has released Guidance for Influenza Vaccine Delivery in the Presence of COVID-19 which includes recommendations for influenza immunization programs.

Drug Administration Certification 

In order to administer immunizations, qualified pharmacists and other authorized registrants must have and maintain a valid Drug Administration Certification and follow the College’s  Standards, Limits and Conditions for Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route. 

You must apply to the College and have a valid (current) Drug Administration Certification before immunizing any patient.  

To confirm whether you have a valid Drug Administration Certification, go to the registrant (pharmacist) directory on the College’s website, found at “Find a Pharmacy or Registrant” link on the top of the website (or click here for a complete list of registrants).  Note the status under the column “Authorized for Drug Administration”.

If you do not have Drug Administration Certification but would like to administer a drug by injection or intranasal route, refer to the College website for information regarding obtaining Drug Administration Certification: 

• Certification for Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route

For those who already have Drug Administration Certification from the College, in order to maintain your Drug Administration Certification, you must have a valid (current) certification in first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at all times. 

If you do not maintain your First Aid/CPR certification and it expires, your drug administration certification will no longer be valid and you must cease from administering drugs via injection and intranasal route immediately, regardless of whether or not your re-certified at your last registration renewal, or re-certify at your upcoming registration renewal. 

The College has not made an exception to any requirements for maintaining drug administration certification during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Learn more about maintaining your Drug Administration Certification during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Injection certified pharmacists and other authorized registrants must understand and be familiar with the standards, limits and conditions associated with Drug Administration Certification for drug administration by injection and intranasal route.  They can be found in the HPA Bylaw Schedule F Part 4 – Certified Practice – Drug Administration By Injection And Intranasal Route Standards, Limits And Conditions.

For more information about Drug Administration Certification, contact our Registration Department at: [email protected].

Additional Resources 

• Continuity, Prioritization and Safe Delivery of Immunization Services during COVID-19 Response (BCCDC, BC Ministry of Health)
• Guidance for Influenza Vaccine Delivery in the Presence of COVID-19 (BCCDC)
• Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2020-2021 (Government of Canada)
• Inactivated Inflenza (Flu) Vaccine (HealthLinkBC)
• Updates to Drug Administration Re-Certification During the COVID-19 Pandemic (College of Pharmacists of BC)
• What Went Wrong - Injection Authority Readlinks article (College of Pharmacists of BC)
• HPA Bylaw Schedule F Part 4 – Certified Practice – Drug Administration By Injection And Intranasal Route Standards, Limits And Conditions (College of Pharmacists of BC)
• Immunize BC – Influenza
• ImmunizeBC Flu Locator