KEYWORDS:
Travel Vaccine, Adult Immunization

BACKGROUND:
Ukrop’s, a supermarket chain in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg, Virginia, began pharmacist administration of influenza and pneumococcal immunizations to adults in 17 pharmacies in the fall of 1998. After a successful year, the program was expanded to include all adult immunizations. A travel vaccine program was implemented in one pharmacy site in the spring of 2000.

OBJECTIVE(S):
The primary objective of the travel vaccine program was to improve the level of care Ukrop’s offers to its customers by increasing access to immunizations and education about safe travel. A secondary objective was to increase awareness of enhanced pharmacy services with the community and local physicians.

METHOD(S):
In accordance with Virginia law, Ukrop’s developed a protocol with a local physician that was approved by the Board of Nursing. The travel vaccine program was based on the adult immunization program. Additional resources were required to provide the appropriate vaccines and information on safe travel. In addition, Ukrop’s sends a letter to the patient’s physician documenting the immunization. The program was marketed through personal letters to travel agents and physicians, in-store signage, and the Ukrop’s Super Market weekly newspaper circular.

RESULT(S):
In 2001, Ukrop’s pharmacists administered 336 immunizations associated with the travel program. A total of 33 yellow fever, 70 hepatitis A, 49 meningitis, 65 tetanus/diptheria, 40 hepatitis B, 62 typhoid, 4 hepatitis A/hepatitis B combination and 13 polio were also administered. Pharmacists also administered 5 immune globulin injections. The travel program received referrals from the Virginia Health Department (12), physician (35), and other travel clinics (6).

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Pharmacists have an increased role in travel vaccine delivery and education. The program has been successful in increasing access to immunizations and awareness of enhanced pharmacy services with both the community and local physicians.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
2. Describe the benefits of a travel vaccine program in a pharmacy.