Breaking barriers: Implementing pharmacy-based immunisation training in an unauthorised country for preparedness of potential workforce and enhancing public health

Authors

  • Chaeyoon Kim Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University
  • See-Won Seo World Health Ambassador, Annandale, Virginia, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9920-1771
  • Hoai-An Truong School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2096-8724
  • Joon Seok Bang College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
  • Barry Bleidt Economic, Social, & Administrative Pharmacy (ESAP) Division College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5715-3057
  • Sandy Jeong Rhie Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea & College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.381385

Keywords:

Education, Equal opportunity, Pharmacy-based immunisation, Public health

Abstract

Introduction: In South Korea, pharmacists lack authorisation for immunisation. The imperative for vaccine administration workforce readiness was emphasised by the COVID-19 pandemic. This report aims to share the experiences of implementing pharmacy-based immunisation training with other countries contemplating similar endeavors.   

Methods: Systematic and stepwise approach was applied to implement pharmacy-based immunisation training, which included international faculty collaboration, needs assessment, task force and local support, programme implementation, and feedback assessments.   

Results: Forty-eight participants were certified and expressed high satisfaction with educational content, speaker engagement, and practical training of injection techniques. They also mentioned the opportunity broadened their insights on global pharmacy activity and advocate expanding the scope of pharmacy practice.    

Conclusion: This initiative represents significant efforts in advancing pharmacy education and public health preparedness. The aim is to share the experience and insights from this project to provide a model to the pharmacy community of other countries contemplating similar endeavors.

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Published

22-06-2025

How to Cite

Kim, C., Seo, S.-W., Truong, H.-A., Bang, J. S., Bleidt, B., & Rhie, S. J. (2025). Breaking barriers: Implementing pharmacy-based immunisation training in an unauthorised country for preparedness of potential workforce and enhancing public health. Pharmacy Education, 25(1), p. 381–385. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.381385

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Section

Short Report