The provincially funded Fall 2026-27 Influenza Immunization Program for the public and targeted COVID-19 Fall Immunization Program will officially begin on October 19, 2026.
There are some key considerations for pharmacy teams as they head into one of the busiest times of the year in community pharmacy.
Confirm authorization to administer drugs by injection
Pharmacists must be authorized by ACP to administer drugs by injection and must maintain current certificates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Information on obtaining this authorization can be found on the Authorization to administer drugs by injection webpage.
Pharmacists must also confirm that their authorization to administer drugs by injection is current and valid. Licensees should also confirm this for the pharmacists on their teams. This can be done by checking the public register (“Find a pharmacy professional” button on the homepage of the ACP website) for authorizations. If you do not have authorization and think there has been a mistake, please contact registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca.
General advice when administering injections
There are many requirements of pharmacists when administering injections, including the following:
- develop a professional relationship with the patient if one does not already exist;
- receive the informed consent of the patient before administering;
- assess the patient as described in Domain 7 of the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians before administering;
- monitor the patient and document details of the assessment, the injection, and patient outcome;
- administer injections in a private environment;
- apply ACP’s Guidelines for medication and vaccine injection safety;
- adhere to the Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Healthcare Settings from the Public Health Agency of Canada;
- properly dispose of syringes; and
- respond to adverse reactions and emergencies if they occur.
For more information, refer to ACP’s Advice to the Professions: Administering injections to patients.
Pharmacy students and provisional pharmacists administering injections
A pharmacy student or provisional pharmacist who has completed the Council requirements for the administration of injections and has valid and current CPR and first aid certifications may administer drugs by injection, including influenza vaccines. It is important to note that they are only authorized to administer injections under the direct supervision of a supervising pharmacist who has the appropriate authorization and training. In other words, the supervising pharmacist must be directly present to observe, guide, monitor, and promptly intervene if required.
For more information about supervision requirements, visit ACP’s Supervision webpage.
What’s new for 2026-27
Publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines will once again be available at community pharmacies for eligible Albertans 12 years of age and older. Children 6 months to 11 years of age must be referred to Primary Care Alberta’s public health clinics for COVID-19 immunization. For information about eligibility for provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines, product information, and ordering information, please refer to Alberta Blue Cross Benefact #1338.
As was the case in 2025-26, Albertans aged 12 years and older who aren’t eligible for provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines may purchase privately procured vaccine through participating community pharmacies.
Information about the Fall 2026-27 Influenza Immunization Program can be found on ACP’s Provincial immunization programs webpage. Here you will find links to the Alberta Immunization Policy; program guidance; pharmacy program updates from Alberta Blue Cross; immunization reporting requirements; and program-specific information for influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and more.
