Pharmacist-coordinated pneumonia and influenza vaccination program

High-risk candidates in an ambulatory-care center were identified and immunized against pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza in a program coordinated by a pharmacist. Patients determined to be at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia were notified by letter of the vaccination program and encouraged to participate. Participants were then screened by their health-care providers to determine whether they were candidates for the vaccination. Those who received the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine were later urged to be immunized against influenza virus. Of 1593 patients selected as possible vaccine candidates, 474 received the pneumococcal vaccine and 397 received the influenza vaccine. No confirmed cases of pneumococcal pneumonia and only one case of flu-like syndrome developed among the immunized patients. Income from the program exceeded its cost, excluding the salaries of the center's employees. Substantial savings were projected from reduced future treatment costs. The pharmacist had initiated and coordinated a successful effort to increase vaccine use and decrease morbidity.