Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Training Program for Enhancing the Pharmacy Profession in Public Health

The Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act currently restrict pharmacists in South Korea to vaccine storage, distribution and counseling roles, which were limiting the opportunity to meet surging demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.In response, the inaugural Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate training program was initiated in July 2023 in South Korea, marking a significant step for equipping pharmacists as vaccinators once national regulations evolve.Globally, pharmacy communities have confronted numerous challenges, including regulatory restrictions, professional conflicts, competency gaps, and low public trust and awareness.Nevertheless, evidence shows pharmacy-based vaccination programs significantly improved immunization rates, prevented infectious diseases, reduced vaccine hesitancy, and minimized post-immunization adverse reactions.According to the International Pharmaceutical Federation's 2024 report, 56 of 120 surveyed countries now offer pharmacy-based vaccination services, 44 grant pharmacists direct vaccine-administration rights, and 26 authorize pharmacist prescribing privileges.Learning from these international precedents, this review proposes a coordinated, stepwise strategy for South Korea.Key recommendations include that pharmacy bodies and stakeholders should establish a multi-stakeholder forum to unite government agencies, medical associations, and legislators on shared policy objectives, while engaging the public to build awareness and trust.In addition, pharmacy professions should adopt a phased authorization approach, initiating with pilot program implementation, followed by rigorous evaluation and legislative endorsement, which enable pharmacists to demonstrate that the expanded scope of practice can safely and effectively improve national immunization efforts.