Establishing an on-site influenza vaccination service in an assisted-living facility

To describe the establishment, implementation, and economic outcomes of a pharmacist-conducted on-site influenza vaccination service in an assisted-living facility (ALF).

Retrospective descriptive report.

75-unit senior housing complex in the International District of Seattle, WA, during the 2004 flu season.

58 indigent, multiethnic, older Asian adult patients, of whom 44 were ALF residents and 14 were adult day health (ADH)/independent-dwelling clients.

Patient charts were reviewed for contraindications, vaccines were administered, and postvaccination satisfaction surveys were conducted.

Number of residents vaccinated, satisfaction survey results, time spent by a pharmacist and an assistant and their salary rate, cost of vaccines, cost of supplies, and reimbursement data. Service outcomes included vaccination rate and resident satisfaction. A cost analysis reflects the economic outcome.

In two 2-hour sessions, 58 ALF residents and ADH clients (age 83.5 +/- 7.7 years [range 65-98]) were vaccinated. The immunization rate in the population improved from 64% in the previous year to 83% with the on-site service. Both the clients and the facility staff rated the service highly. The pharmacist spent a total of 22 hours and the assistant 4 hours providing vaccination services. A net income of $13 per vaccination was realized after making adjustments for costs (vaccines, supplies, and salaries).

An on-site pharmacist-conducted influenza vaccination service in the ALF setting expanded the scope and economic outcome of pharmacist-provided pharmaceutical services. Influenza vaccination rates were improved, and patients and staff were highly satisfied with the service.