KEYWORD1:
Pharmacy, Professional Education, Pharmacists, Adult Immunizations

BACKGROUND:
Across the U.S., pharmacy practice acts have been modified to allow pharmacists to administer immunizations under detailed protocols with a supervising physician. Currently, 34 states allow pharmacists to immunize under protocol. The American College of Physicians, in a recent position paper on the scope of practice of pharmacists, supports the use of pharmacists as immunization information sources, hosts of immunization sites, and as immunizers. As such, curricular changes regarding pharmacy student immunization education are necessary.

OBJECTIVE:
To integrate immunization practice knowledge and patient care skills into a college of pharmacy curriculum.

METHOD:
In the fall of 2000, immunization training for pharmacy students was integrated into the core B.S. and Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum via a community pharmacy course. The community practice immunization curriculum covers the following topics: diseases and vaccines, legal and regulatory issues, emergency planning, and vaccine administration techniques and assessment. Students were overseen in the administration process by several pharmacists certified in immunization administration. A written exam was also administered at the conclusion of the module.

RESULT:
Since 2000, we have certified a total of 134 B.S. and Doctor of Pharmacy students at the University of Utah as immunizers.

CONCLUSION:
With this increase in pharmacists trained in immunization awareness and administration, we are anticipating improvement in adult immunization rates and immunization awareness for both adult and pediatric immunizations.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
1. To explain the integration of immunization therapeutics and patient care skills into a college of pharmacy curriculum.