Impact of a pharmacist-driven recombinant zoster vaccine administration program

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population is at increased risk for herpes zoster (shingles).
• Adherence to the two-dose recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) series is crucial for optimal protection.
• Identifying effective strategies to improve RZV completion rates in vulnerable populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven RZV administration pilot program on 2-dose series completion.
• To compare RZV completion rates in a pharmacist-led program versus standard care within an HIV/infectious diseases clinic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study design.
• Comparison of patients in a pharmacist-driven RZV administration program (intervention) against those receiving provider-directed RZV education (standard care).
• Analysis of 2-dose RZV series completion rates.

Main Results:

• A total of 119 patients were included in the study.
• The intervention cohort demonstrated significantly higher 2-dose RZV series completion rates (intention-to-treat: 66%, modified intention-to-treat: 100%) compared to the standard care cohort (23%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• A pharmacist-driven RZV administration program effectively increased 2-dose series completion in an HIV clinic setting.
• Despite improved vaccine uptake, the revenue generated did not offset the cost of pharmacist involvement.
• Further economic evaluation is needed to optimize such programs for sustainability.