Pharmacists in Alberta have had the ability to administer drugs by injection since 2007. As of February 1, 2025, those with this authorization may provide subcutaneous and intramuscular injections to patients two years of age and older, provided they have had the appropriate training. With this new age group in mind, ACP has published a new Advice to the Professions: Administering injections to patients.
In this document, pharmacists will find the following general advice when providing injections:
- requirements for authorization to administer drugs by injection,
- administering injections in a private environment,
- gaining informed consent from patients before providing an injection,
- providing injections outside of a licensed pharmacy,
- safe disposal of sharps,
- responding to adverse reactions and emergencies,
- routine precautions and hygiene for infection control,
- assessment and documentation, and
- when reporting is required for adverse events from injections or drugs or vaccines.
There is also a section that provides advice specifically about providing injections to two- to four-year-old children, including
- obtaining the necessary training to provide injections for this age group,
- ensuring an appropriate environment to provide injections for children under five years old,
- age-appropriate injection techniques, and
- techniques to minimize pain and anxiety.
The Advice to the Professions also includes additional resources to support pharmacists in preparing to provide injections for children under five years old. Pharmacists, please note that you must complete the form in myACP before administering injections to children under five years old.
