Evolvements in teaching vaccinology at the Department of Pharmacy have been cited in a toolkit published in June 2022 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The FIP ‘Vaccination Reference Guide: Knowledge and skills to support professional development and inform pharmacy education in vaccination’ captures good practice examples from around the world on teaching experiences of pharmaceutical principles in vaccine supply chain management, building vaccine confidence in society and safety surveillance, and administration.
The guide refers to the curriculum content of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Malta. Content covered in pharmacy practice study units and in the hands-on practical module has been mapped for the knowledge and skills developed in vaccinology.
Techniques in parenteral drug administration have been included in the clinical skills lab at the Department of Pharmacy for the past 10 years. In October 2021, the Department expanded the practical clinical skills sessions and first year students receive skills in preparation and administration of vaccines.
The sessions are run in the lab, where students practice on simulators, and in a vaccination centre for clinical observation and practice within the National Immunisation Service-Primary Healthcare. Upon completion of the programme, which includes completing a first aid course, a pharmacy-based immunisation certificate is issued. The FIP toolkit is .
