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Implementation of a community pharmacy-based influenza vaccination program
M E Ernst1, C V Chalstrom, J D Currie
1Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. michael-ernst@uiowa.edu
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996)
|February 28, 1998
Summary
Community pharmacy influenza vaccination programs increase vaccine access in rural areas. Pharmacist-administered vaccines may boost immunization rates, particularly for younger, high-risk adults who might otherwise not get vaccinated.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacy Practice
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Rural communities face challenges in accessing influenza vaccines.
- Community pharmacies can play a vital role in improving public health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a community pharmacy-based influenza vaccination program to enhance vaccine accessibility in a rural setting.
- To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-administered influenza vaccinations on community immunization rates.
Main Methods:
- An independent community pharmacy in rural Iowa implemented an influenza vaccination program.
- Protocols for patient screening, vaccine administration, and emergency management were developed and approved.
- Vaccinations were administered by a pharmacist after patient counseling and screening for contraindications.
Main Results:
- A total of 343 influenza vaccine doses were administered by the pharmacist.
- 67.9% of vaccinated patients had also received the vaccine the previous year.
- A significant proportion (60.8%) of previously unvaccinated patients indicated they would not have sought vaccination elsewhere or were unsure.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacist-led influenza vaccination programs in rural pharmacies increase vaccine accessibility.
- This initiative may improve overall immunization rates, especially among high-risk younger adults.
- Community pharmacies are effective sites for expanding public health vaccination services.