In December 2020, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to help combat the Covid-19 virus began shipping to states. As we make our way through 2021, experts anticipate more vaccines will become available as time goes on. With production and distribution increasing, our leaders and healthcare community will begin to pivot towards administering the vaccine to the larger population. The process of administering a mass vaccination campaign across the country will be a significant undertaking for our healthcare system. In addition to having a supply of vaccines, we will also need skilled healthcare personnel who can administer the vaccine safely.

In anticipation of an increase in demand for skilled healthcare professionals to administer the vaccine, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recently released a policy brief that recommends what personnel should administer the Covid-19 vaccine. The brief cites that the Covid-19 vaccine can be safely administered by licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physicians, physician assistants, and pharmacists. NCSBN Chief Officer, Nursing Regulation, Maryann Alexander, PhD, RN, FAAN commented, “Nurses are and will continue to be the ‘tip of the spear’ in the fight against COVID-19 and it is fitting that they will be at the forefront of this unparalleled initiative of administering this crucial vaccine.”

To read the full policy brief from the NCSBN, please visit: https://www.ncsbn.org/COVID19VaccineAdministrationPolicyBrief.pdf

There is still much to be determined in terms of how and when the Covid-19 vaccine will be rolled out across the United States. Currently, the vaccine administration process is being handled by states. As additional doses of the vaccines are produced and distributed, we all anticipate learning more from our state leaders and the healthcare community.

Source:
https://www.ncsbn.org/15267.htm