Training Pharmacists and Dental Professionals as Immunizers

Background:
The Oklahoma City Area regional office of the Indian Health Service acquired money to provide immunization training for pharmacists and dental professionals employed by the United States Public Health Service. The American Pharmacists Association's Pharmacy-based Immunization Delivery program was taught by American Pharmacists Association faculty employed by the United States Public Health Service. The primary goal was to increase the manpower pool of trained immunizers available for emergency and/or pandemic flu response. Secondary goals included an increase in vaccine knowledge and advocacy among participants, more involvement in immunization issues by these professionals, and more involvement in the administration of vaccines.

Setting:
Most of these classes were taught at the Oklahoma City Area regional office headquarters building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A couple of classes were taught in other regional areas of the Indian Health Service.

Population:
Students were pharmacists or dental professionals employed by the United States Public Health Service.

Project Description:
Pharmacists and dental professionals employed by the United States Public Health Service were provided an extensive self-study course and an 8 hour live training seminar in immunization including administration.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Classes like this do add to the manpower pool of trained immunizers. There is an interest among pharmacists and dental professionals to be more involved in immunization issues. All participants report improved immunization knowledge after the class. Details in practice changes after the classes are evaluated via surveys.