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Pharmacist-Administered Influenza Vaccination in Children and Corresponding Regulations
Dana M Gates1, Steven A Cohen2, Kelly Orr1
1College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
Insights
Pediatric influenza vaccination by pharmacists remains low, despite a significant annual increase. Expanding access and reducing state-level restrictions could improve childhood vaccination rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunization
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Pharmacist-administered vaccinations are crucial for public health.
- Pediatric influenza vaccination rates and accessibility vary by administration site and state regulations.
- The role of pharmacists in pediatric vaccination is evolving, especially post-COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination in the U.S.
- To examine the relationship between state-level pharmacist vaccination authorization models and vaccination rates.
- To identify factors influencing the utilization of pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing administrative health claims data.
- Analysis of 3,937,376 pediatric influenza vaccinations (children <18 years).
- Joinpoint regression used to assess annual trends in vaccination rates.
Main Results:
- Pharmacists administered only 3.2% of pediatric influenza vaccinations; pediatrician offices administered the majority (87.7%).
- Pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination significantly increased by 19.2% annually.
- Utilization was lower in regions with more restrictive state authorization models (e.g., Northeast).
Conclusions:
- Pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination rates are currently low but increasing.
- Less restrictive state authorization models may enhance pediatric vaccination accessibility and rates.
- Pharmacists are poised to play a larger role in pediatric immunization, necessitating policy review.
Abstract:
In our retrospective cohort study, we evaluated trends in pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination rates in the United States and corresponding state-level pharmacist pediatric vaccination authorization models, including minimum age requirements, vaccination protocols, and/or prescription requirements. An administrative health claims database was used to capture influenza vaccinations in children less than 18 years old with 1 year of continuous enrollment and joinpoint regression was used to assess trends. Of the 3,937,376 pediatric influenza vaccinations identified over the study period, only 3.2% were pharmacist-administered (87.7% pediatrician offices, 2.3% convenience care clinics, 0.8% emergency care, and 6.0% other locations). Pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination was more commonly observed in older children (mean age 12.65 ± 3.26 years) and increased significantly by 19.2% annually over the study period (95% confidence interval 9.2%-30.2%, p < 0.05). The Northeast, with more restrictive authorization models, represented only 2.2% (n = 2816) of all pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccinations. Utilization of pharmacist-administered pediatric influenza vaccination remains low. Providing children with greater access to vaccination with less restrictions may increase overall vaccination rates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, pharmacists will play a major role in vaccinating children.
