대한약국학회

The United States (US) government is currently cooperating with chain and independent pharmacists all around the country to efficiently vaccinate people against COVID-19. Therefore, community pharmacists in the US have become one of the most essential workforces in healthcare to combat COVID-19. This type of public recognition regarding the pharmacists did not suddenly occur just because of the pandemic. Rather, the pharmacists have gradually built their reputation as a trustworthy immunizer in the community through standards and regulations, which include appropriate training and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Unlike the US where the pharmacists are continuously expanding their scope of practice as an immunizer, South Korean community pharmacists are not actively involved in immunization at this time. This article will evaluate how the US community pharmacists have come to play a pivotal role in administering COVID-19 vaccines and assess whether South Korean community pharmacists can experience the same success as an immunizer in near future.