Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Describe pharmacist immunization activities.
2. Identify the pharmacist's role in immunization delivery.
3. Identify ways to collaborate with pharmacists.


Background:
Pharmacists have the authority to immunize patients in 44 states; however, activities may vary between states. The American Pharmacists Association has categorized immunization activities by pharmacists into three levels: education and advocacy, facilitation, and administration.

Objectives:
To conduct an annual survey of pharmacists to categorize types of immunization activities and to evaluate the pharmacists' role in immunization delivery.

Methods:
An annual survey was conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The survey was conducted electronically through an APhA listserve and all responses were voluntary.

Results:
The 2004-05 survey results represent 4,700 pharmacy practice sites in the United States. 69.6% of pharmacists provide education about immunizations, 32.7% facilitate delivery of vaccines through other health care providers and 92.6% of the pharmacists administer immunizations. Pharmacists administered 584,709 doses of influenza vaccine (injectable and nasal). However, if more influenza vaccine were available, pharmacists indicated they could have administered another 742,000 doses. The majority of pharmacists administer vaccines under a protocol or standing order. Acceptance was rated high by pharmacists from local health departments (70%), local physicians (65%), local/state coalitions (54%), and patients (92%). 64% of pharmacists did not know if they had a local or state immunization coalition.



Conclusions:
Pharmacists are actively involved in all types of immunization activities including education, facilitation, and administration. Pharmacists can assist in increasing public knowledge and access to immunizations.