Pharmacy Factors Affect Success of Pharmacy-based Influenza Immunization Programs

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Identify factors affecting success of implementation of community pharmacy in immunization provision.
2. Discuss strategies for successful planning and implementation of immunization provision in community pharmacies.

Background:
For several decades, pharmacists have been involved in immunization-related activities. Relatively few community pharmacists currently are involved in direct administration of vaccines, though, and little is known about factors that promote or impede successful implementation of pharmacy-based immunization programs.

Objectives:
Identify pharmacy characteristics that predict success of community pharmacy-based immunization delivery programs, as indicated by the number of flu vaccine doses ordered and the number of flu doses administered in the pharmacy.

Methods:
Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) regarding community pharmacy involvement in immunization provision were used to collect data between 7/05–2/06. Seventeen states were selected to maximize variability in immunization laws and geographical location; 150 pharmacies were randomly selected in each state. Key informant interviews were conducted. Linear regression and path analysis were employed to analyze data.

Results:
Of 2,558 selected community pharmacies, 1,707 (69.1%) completed interviews. Of these, 301 pharmacies (17.7%) offered in-house immunization services and are analyzed here. Number of full-time equivalent pharmacists, affiliation with a school of pharmacy, and pharmacy workload were significant exogenous factors, while number of pharmacists trained in immunization delivery and offering vaccinations on a year-round schedule were significant endogenous factors predicting the number of flu vaccine doses ordered and the number of doses administered in community pharmacies.

Conclusions:
Characteristics of community pharmacies impact successful implementation of pharmacist-based immunization programs. Supportive and well-planned management can encourage community pharmacies to overcome barriers and promote immunization provision, thereby enhancing the level of vaccination in communities.