The College of Pharmacy at Dubai Medical University (DMU) has marked an important milestone in pharmacy education in the United Arab Emirates by successfully organizing and delivering the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Program — the first time this internationally accredited program has been offered by a UAE College of Pharmacy.

Led by Dr. Sahar Al-Najjar and supported by dedicated faculty members of the DMU College of Pharmacy, this pioneering program marks a transformative step in preparing the next generation of pharmacists in the UAE to serve as certified immunizers.

The APhA Immunization Delivery Certificate Program is a rigorous, multi-component curriculum recognized across the globe for its high standards in immunization training. The DMU-hosted program was structured as follows:

Self-Paced Online Theory Modules (Two Weeks):  Participants completed two weeks of asynchronous, self-paced online coursework delivered directly through the APhA platform. Modules covered the immunological foundations of vaccines, the immunization schedule, vaccine storage and handling, patient screening and assessment, documentation and reporting requirements, and the management of adverse events.

Full-Day Practical Skills Training:  Following successful completion of the online modules, students attended an intensive, hands-on practical training day hosted at DMU Hospital (DMUH). Under the direct supervision of qualified faculty, participants developed and refined the clinical techniques required for safe and effective vaccine administration, including injection technique, patient communication, and emergency response protocols.

Comprehensive Certification Examination:  The program concluded with a comprehensive assessment comprising both a written theory examination on the APhA module content and a practical skills evaluation. Students who successfully met all requirements were formally awarded the APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate, recognizing them as certified immunizers.

The program was delivered to second-year students of the Master of Clinical Pharmacy (M.Pharm) program at DMU, who are currently engaged in their advanced clinical rotations. These students represent the forefront of clinical pharmacy practice in the UAE, and their certification as immunizers further equips them to contribute meaningfully to patient care and public health upon entering professional practice.

This achievement is particularly significant given the evolving regulatory landscape in the UAE. Legislation that enables pharmacist-administered immunizations is already in place, and the DMU College of Pharmacy has proactively ensured that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but formally certified and practice-ready from day one. By completing this program, the M.Pharm graduates are positioned to seamlessly assume the role of immunizers as soon as the regulatory framework is implemented across healthcare settings.