Statewide impact of pharmacist-delivered adult influenza vaccinations

Abstract

Background: Oregon law has allowed pharmacists to provide adult immunizations since 2000. Every vaccination delivered must be reported to the state health department. Previous reports indicate that pharmacists vaccinate individuals unlikely to receive vaccinations elsewhere.

Methods: Administration reports were analyzed in 2005 for the first three influenza seasons (2000 to 2003). The number of pharmacies participating, type and quantity of vaccinations, and county where provided were analyzed.

Results: A total of 13,116 adult patients received influenza vaccinations during 2000-2001 at 56 pharmacies. The number of pharmacies participating increased to 88 and 132, and vaccinations provided to 25,785 and 30,218 in the next two seasons, respectively. The mean number of vaccinations per pharmacy was 250 (standard deviation 236) for the 3-year period. Rural counties accounted for 28.4% of influenza vaccinations.

Conclusions: Pharmacists provided a substantial number of influenza vaccinations during this 3-year period. More than one quarter of the vaccinations were provided in rural counties.