Training the next generation of vaccinators

Now, it’s more important than ever with the increased demand for COVID-19 vaccinations.

All first-year PharmD students at UB recently participated in immunization training sessions, preparing them to be the next generation of vaccinators.

Clinical Associate Professor Robert Wahler, PharmD ’00, was one of several faculty members leading the training. He is proud to be educating future pharmacy leaders. 

“I think what the nation is seeing now is a workforce of health care professionals that are ready, willing and able to tackle this worldwide health care crisis,” he says.

The training began in January with American Pharmacists Association (APhA) pre-study reading material. This was followed by asynchronous didactic video lectures and Zoom sessions that explored federal and New York State immunization laws, small group casework, and communication and injection technique.

In-person training followed in March, with students injecting saline into an orange before practicing on their fellow future pharmacists.

“The in-person training was so informative and eye-opening,” says Kathryn Krchniak, PharmD ’24. “It depicted what the immunization process will look like at a vaccination clinic, which we will be able to support after this semester.”

The student trainees have had a unique, and sometimes challenging, first year. With safety guidelines in place, the immunization training clinic was also an opportunity to see professors and one another in person for the first time in a safe, on-campus environment.

“Getting a chance to be in the pharmacy school and interact with some of our professors and classmates even with the short time allotted was exciting,” Krchniak says. “It gives me so much to look forward to next semester when we are back in person.”

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Kara Sweet
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kasweet@buffalo.edu
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