KEYWORDS:
Influenza and pneumococcal immunizations; diabetes; pharmacies; community collaboration; and health education

BACKGROUND:
SPARC, a nonprofit regional disease prevention organization, has worked to increase adult immunizations in Berkshire County, MA since 1995. Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for complications from influenza and pneumonia and should, in accordance with ACIP guidelines, be vaccinated. Through the provision of prescriptions and the purchase of supplies, pharmacies are uniquely situated to identify diabetics in the community and to provide them with immunization information.

OBJECTIVE:
To promote influenza and pneumococcal immunizations to diabetics through a collaborative outreach program with community pharmacies.

METHOD:
SPARC, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, asked pharmacies in north Berkshire County to participate in an outreach program to promote influenza/pneumococcal immunizations for customers with diabetes. The program consisted of providing the pharmacies with educational material and flu clinic schedules. During the local flu campaign of 2001, these materials were distributed to diabetic customers when they picked up their prescriptions or had supplies delivered.

RESULT:
Nine of the ten pharmacies in north Berkshire County agreed to participate in the outreach program. Over 1,100 influenza/pneumococcal/diabetes educational pamphlets and flu clinic schedules were distributed. Customer feedback indicated that the materials, especially the clinic schedule, were considered valuable information. As a result of the project’s success, all nine pharmacies have agreed to participate in the program during future flu campaigns.

CONCLUSION:
When promoting influenza and pneumococcal immunizations, community pharmacies can play an important role in providing diabetics with immunization and clinic information. A regional disease prevention program such as SPARC is well positioned to develop and coordinate this type of strategy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe how to coordinate and implement a pharmacy-based program to promote influenza and pneumococcal immunizations for diabetics.