BACKGROUND:
Pharmacists' access to the public enables them to play a significant role in improving immunization rates. Pharmacists can serve the role of educator, facilitator or can adminster vaccines. Succesful programs have established collaboration with health care providers in the community.

OBJECTIVE:
To describe roles pharmacists and student pharmacists can play in increasing access and delivery of immunizations.

METHOD:
Several surveys of pharmacists have been conducted over the past year, as well as group discussions regarding pharamcists' activities in the area of immunizations. Core to the data presented will be APhA's Annual Immunization Survey results.

RESULT:
The results of various surveys and group discussions will be presented discussing the recent flu season, perceptions of pharmacists, collaborative activities and best practices.

CONCLUSION:
Pharmacists can be a valuable community resource and are vital elements to achieving public health goals. Communities should view pharmacists for their patient care skills, in addition to their konwledge of medications and distribution systems. Pharmacists completing immunization training programs are a valuable asset to public health.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. describe how to develop and involve pharmacists and student pharmacists in a community's public health activities.
2. Identify the roles pharmacists are or could have in the area of immunizations.
3. Describe the impact pharmacists have had on increasing access to immunizations.
4. Describe best practice examples and the factors that make them successful.