Operationalizing Pandemic Vaccinations at a Regional Supermarket Chain Pharmacy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacy Practice
• Emergency Preparedness

Background:

• Community pharmacies were underutilized during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
• Pharmacies are now a common site for seasonal influenza vaccinations, with one-third of adults vaccinated there.
• Leveraging pharmacies for pandemic vaccinations enhances public health response timeliness and comprehensiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the outcomes of a 2017 strategic planning meeting focused on operationalizing pandemic influenza vaccinations within a regional supermarket chain pharmacy.
• To provide actionable information for community pharmacies nationwide preparing for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Main Methods:

• A strategic planning meeting was convened in 2017.
• Participants included experts from a supermarket chain (pharmacy, managed care, operations, IT, marketing, etc.), county/state health departments, and university faculty.
• The meeting addressed 13 key operational topics for pandemic influenza vaccination.

Main Results:

• Key topics covered included MOUs with states, emergency response plans, scaling response, site selection, staffing, training, workflow, billing, documentation, supplies, supply chain, communications, and security.
• The planning session identified critical elements for successful pharmacy-based pandemic vaccination programs.

Conclusions:

• The insights gained from this 2017 planning session are highly relevant for community pharmacies preparing to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
• Proactive strategic planning is essential for effective pharmacy-based pandemic vaccination efforts.