Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1.Define the goals of Operation Immunization and apply what they have learned to increase immunization rates
2.Identify methods to increase immunization awareness
3.Describe how pharmacists can assist in implementing immunization programs and educating about vaccine-preventable diseases



Background:
Pharmacists and student pharmacists play an important role in promoting, educating, and administering immunizations to the public because of their ability to identify patients at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and their accessibility to the public.


Setting:
Various locations throughout the country.


Population:
People at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.


Project Description:
The goal of Operation Immunization is to increase awareness of immunization information, advise patients where they can obtain immunizations, promote immunization services in pharmacies, and increase awareness of the important role both pharmacists and student pharmacists play in public health. In 2004, student pharmacists from 68 schools around the nation organized Operation Immunization campaigns.
The University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Pharmacy focused on immunization promotion, education, and implementation. Committees educated the immunosuppressed about vaccination, organized a letter-writing campaign to highschool seniors about the meningococcal vaccine, developed brochures promoting vaccination to oversea travelers, educated and promoted childhood immunization among daycare workers, and organized a campaign to help pass state law allowing student pharmacists to immunize.



Results/Lessons Learned:
Nationwide, 3,074 student pharmacists from 68 schools of pharmacy participated in 624 promotional and educational events. APhA recognized the UW School of Pharmacy as having implemented the nation's most successful program. Student pharmacists from the UW were successful in immunizing approximately 900 patients in the 2004 influenza season, despite the influenza vaccine shortage. They educated over 6,000,000 patients about immunizations and helped pass a state law allowing student pharmacists to immunize. Results throughout the nation were just as impressive. Student pharmacists were successful in educating over 7,500,000 patients and immunizing 90,000 patients.