The Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Meningitis Vaccination Program for the College-Aged Population In Texas

Background: In the United States, an estimated 1,400-2,800 cases of meningitis occur annually, causing severe illness and death. College students, especially those residing in dormitories, are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. In May 2011, the state of Texas issued a mandate requiring all entering college students younger than 30 years of age to be immunized for meningitis before the 2012 semester. A national community pharmacy implemented a program offering meningitis vaccine services in over 700 locations throughout the state to help students comply with the mandate.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led meningitis vaccination program implemented to support a state mandate.

Methods: The program entailed development of educational and marketing materials, training of personnel, arrangement of standing orders, and initiation of an “all-day, everyday” offering of the meningitis vaccine. The study population included patients aged 16 to 29 years, with a meningitis vaccination administered in Texas, and a date of service from January 2011 through January 2012.We analyzed Walgreens pharmacy claims data to calculate the total number of meningitis vaccinations administered, and the penetration of the program into medically underserved areas.

Results: The pharmacy provided 16,604 meningitis vaccinations to the study population. The number of vaccinations increased dramatically year-over-year from 41 in January 2011 (pre-mandate) to 11,229 in January 2012 (post-mandate). The proportion of meningitis vaccinations provided in medically underserved areas increased from 12.2 % in January 2011 to 39.6% in January 2012 (p<0.01).

Conclusions:  This pharmacist-led meningitis vaccination program expanded convenient access to immunization services to assist college students in complying with a Texas state mandate. The significant increase in the proportion of vaccinations provided in medically underserved areas demonstrates that the program provided vaccination services where most needed. The above findings illustrate how community pharmacies can support state governments and improve public health.