Pharmacists as vaccine advocates: roles in community pharmacies, nursing homes, and hospitals

Abstract

Pharmacists increasingly take on immunization roles for their communities: advocates, facilitators and immunizers. Between 50 and 94% of people who receive a pharmacist's recommendation to be immunized accept that recommendation. Over 5 million doses of influenza vaccine per year are administered in pharmacies. In 25 states, pharmacists are authorized to administer immunizations. More than 1000 pharmacists were trained to immunize in 1997. Consultant pharmacists can recommend vaccines in nursing facilities in the course of monthly drug regimen reviews. People have exceptional access to pharmacist at a wide variety of hours. Pharmacy-based immunization training incorporates safeguards that mimic or exceed quality standards in public-health clinics.