KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The law does not authorise pharmacists to administer vaccines, as vaccine administration is under the exclusive purview of doctors, said Health director-general Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab.
He described vaccine administration via injections as a clinical procedure, subject to existing regulations and laws, that may only be performed by registered medical practitioners.
“At present, there is no legal provision that permits registered pharmacists to administer vaccines by injection to patients,” said Dr Mahathar in a statement today.
In a Facebook post last October 9, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) announced a workshop scheduled next month at Wisma MPS in Puchong, Selangor, to “equip pharmacists with vaccination administration skills”.
According to a graphic posted by MPS, the training programme on immunisation for pharmacists – organised by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak in collaboration with MPS and co-organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia – is open to all pharmacists.
The topics listed for the one-day workshop include injection techniques and vaccine administration, with continuing professional development (CPD) points awarded for participation.
“The MOH (Ministry of Health) always welcomes efforts to strengthen professional knowledge and skills among health care practitioners. However, any training or activities related to vaccine administration must be conducted in accordance with the professional scope of practice and the prevailing legal provisions,” said Dr Mahathar.
“Any organisation of courses or training programmes that imply that pharmacists are legally authorised to administer vaccines should be reviewed by the organisers to avoid misleading the public or health care professionals.
“The MOH remains committed to ensuring that all vaccination services are carried out by qualified, registered personnel in full compliance with legal requirements, in order to safeguard patient safety and public wellbeing.”
The Health DG cited three laws that restrict the act of vaccination to registered medical practitioners or private health care providers.
“If a community pharmacy or other premises provides vaccination services to the public, it may be considered a private health care service provider. Conducting such services without a valid licence under Act 586 constitutes an offence under the law,” said Dr Mahathar, referring to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
Under the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366), vaccines are categorised as Group B poisons that may only be supplied by a registered pharmacist as a medicine prepared in accordance with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
“This Act does not grant pharmacists the authority to inject vaccines,” said the Health DG.
Finally, the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) permits the use of instruments like hypodermic syringes for vaccine injections only for registered medical practitioners or individuals granted exemptions under this Act.
“Any other party performing such activities may be suspected of committing an offence under these provisions.”
Several doctors’ associations – including the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations, Malaysia (FPMPAM), Private Medical Practitioners’ Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (PMPASKL), Penang Private Medical Practitioners’ Society (PMPS Penang), Perak Medical Practitioners’ Society (PMPS Perak), Association of Private Practitioners Sabah (APPS), DRSforALL, and Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) – have criticised MPS’ proposal for pharmacists to administer vaccines.
“MPS is calling for one national safety standard for anyone who vaccinates — doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or medical assistant — together with premises authorisation, mandatory Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting to the public registry, and clear escalation pathways,” said MPS in a statement yesterday.
In an earlier October 15 statement, MPS urged the MOH to authorise trained pharmacists to administer an adult vaccine formulary in community settings, including influenza jabs, noting that pharmacists are legally permitted to vaccinate in Singapore and the Philippines.
MPS president Prof Amrahi Buang said expanding vaccination points of access could ease pressure on emergency departments from the current flu outbreak in schools.
