The purpose of this study is to determine whether pharmacist-driven patient interventions can have an effect on the number of herpes zoster (Zostavax) vaccinations given in a community pharmacy setting.
Several studies exist documenting the perception and satisfaction of patients receiving immunizations from pharmacists, as well as the effects of pharmacist involvement in advocating and administering vaccinations. The most well documented studies have been conducted in hospital settings. Undoubtedly, there is enormous opportunity for the community pharmacist to identify potential vaccine recipients, advocate immunization and administer said immunizations to their established patient populations. However, there is a lack of concentrated study in the implementation of immunization services in the community setting and their effects. The investigators intend to evaluate the intervention of pharmacists in an immunization program and the resulting changes in immunization rates.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
205
On Day 1 of the 2nd month, a personalized letter (addressing specific patient) was mailed to current pharmacy patients with indications for the Zostavax vaccine. Current patients were defined as those receiving at least one prescription medication from the pharmacy within 6 months. The personalized letter provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.
Beginning on Day 1 of the 2nd month, flyer advertisements were distributed with all pharmacy sales. Flyer advertisements provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.
Wilson Pharmacy
Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
Marcrom's Pharmacy
Manchester, Tennessee, United States
Reeves-Sain Drug Store
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
To assess the effect of a pharmacist-driven immunization campaign on the rate of Zostavax immunizations in three separate community pharmacy settings
Time frame: 2 months
To evaluate the relative efficacy of specific interventions on the rate of herpes zoster vaccinations
Time frame: 2 months
To evaluate the perception of patients receiving the herpes zoster vaccination as to the role of pharmacists as immunizers
Time frame: 2 months
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During the first week of the 2nd month, local newspapers published press releases. The press release provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.