Winter Vaccination Programme Administration Records
As part of the legal requirements regarding the supply and administration of vaccines in the Winter Vaccination Programme (influenza and COVID-19), a copy of the particulars recorded in respect of each vaccine administered to a patient by a pharmacist should be forwarded, by electronic or other means, to the HSE within seven days of the administration. This relates to all vaccine administrations whether these have been provided privately, in line with a national vaccination programme or in an offsite location such as a school.
Community pharmacists record the administration of influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines on HSE PharmaVax, to satisfy record keeping legal requirements and notification to the HSE.
It is essential that all vaccines administered are recorded promptly onto HSE PharmaVax so that clinical records on COVAX are kept up to date. Entry on HSE PharmaVax is also required to trigger reimbursement from the PCRS. The delayed entry of vaccination records in HSE PharmaVax increases the clinical risk of duplicate vaccinations being provided by other healthcare providers to those who attend pharmacies/GPs in the community or as part of the schools LAIV programme.
Prior to administering a vaccine, it is advised to review an individual’s vaccination history on HSE PharmaVax to ensure a dose has not already been given this season prior to administration.
Primary Schools Guidance
For those who are currently planning to provide a vaccination service offsite from a retail pharmacy business in a primary school location, we remind you that the following guidance is available to support you in the safe delivery of this service.
- PSI Guidance to Support Pharmacies in Providing Safe Vaccination Services Offsite from the Pharmacy Premises; and
- Toolkit to Support the Administration of Flu Vaccination to Children in Primary Schools or Community Settings by Primary Care.
These resources clearly outline the steps that should be followed when providing this service.