The Alberta government is introducing new requirements that will standardize practices for all immunization providers, including pharmacists, regardless of whether a vaccine is provincially funded or privately purchased.
The Immunization Regulation includes the following requirements:
- Health practitioners will be required to report immunizations and assessments electronically to Alberta Health within a week (effective January 1, 2021).
- Health practitioners will need to report adverse events following immunization to Alberta Health Services within three days of becoming aware (effective December 17, 2018).
- The regulation sets out requirements for the storage, handling, and transportation of vaccines (effective December 17, 2018).
The regulation will improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of Alberta’s immunization program.
Most sections of the regulation take effect on December 17, 2018. The section requiring the reporting of immunizations and assessments take effect January 1, 2021, to ensure health practitioners and other stakeholders are positioned to comply with electronic reporting requirements.
All immunization providers should have policies and processes in place to support the requirements of the regulation.
Alberta Health will provide more information as it becomes available.
