Pharmacists Urged to Play Crucial Role in Vaccine Administration, Supply Chain

Pharmacist Abdulrahman Kelani, a vaccine consultant, emphasized the pivotal role of pharmacists in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in the vaccine supply chain and administration. He made this call during a plenary session at the 96th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in Gombe state.

Kelani stressed that a well-functioning immunization supply chain is vital for ensuring the availability, accessibility, and effectiveness of vaccines. He urged pharmacists to actively engage in various aspects of vaccine administration and supply chain logistics, contributing to the country’s healthcare quality.

The expert explained that vaccine administration encompasses processes, systems, and resources related to vaccine procurement, storage, distribution, and management. Efficient immunization supply chains ensure that vaccines reach their intended destinations safely, on time, and in optimal condition. This, in turn, helps to extend vaccination services to remote areas, marginalized populations, and vulnerable communities, aligning with the goal of achieving universal health coverage.

Pharmacist Kelani highlighted multiple components within immunization supply chain and vaccine administration where pharmacists can play an active role. These components include planning, forecasting, procurement, storage, distribution, cold chain logistics management, and fostering collaboration among partners.

Kelani emphasized the need for pharmacists to estimate vaccine requirements, budget for procurement, manage warehousing, ensure proper storage, and oversee inventory management.

Pharmacists are also crucial in quality control, maintaining the cold chain, and facilitating safe vaccine delivery to healthcare facilities. They play essential roles in handling, monitoring, and transporting vaccines and supplies across various levels of the immunization supply chain.

Furthermore, Kelani noted that in recent years, pharmacists in Nigeria have been authorized to administer vaccines, including routine immunizations and travel vaccines. This expanded role enhances immunization accessibility and community immunity. Pharmacists are integral to ensuring the availability of vital medications, vaccines, and supplies within the healthcare system.

Kelani concluded by encouraging pharmacists to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to function effectively in vaccine administration and the supply chain, emphasizing that their qualifications and expertise make them well-suited for this essential role in promoting public health.