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Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Texas Southern University, Houston
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston
Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston
Reprints: Kevin W Garey PharmD, Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1441 Moursund St., Houston, TX 77030-3047, fax 713/795-8383, kgarey{at}uh.edu
BACKGROUND: Immunization certification courses allow pharmacists to directly administer vaccines to their patients. However, the demographics and level of immunization involvement of immunization-certified pharmacists compared with those noncertified are unknown.
OBJECTIVE: To document the demographics, professional activities, and job satisfaction of immunization-certified pharmacists compared with pharmacists not certified for immunization.
METHODS: In a cross-sectional pilot study, immunization-certified pharmacists were compared with noncertified pharmacists via a postal-mailed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and practice site characteristics, involvement in immunization services, and a job satisfaction survey.
RESULTS: Response rates were 48% (n = 101) and 36% (n = 158) for immunization-certified and noncertified pharmacists, respectively. Significantly more certified pharmacists were involved in immunizations (99% vs 24%; p < 0.001). Desire to improve the health care of the public and personal satisfaction were important factors that encouraged pharmacists to become certified to administer vaccines. Seventy-four percent of immunization-certified pharmacists directly administered the vaccines, primarily influenza (96%), pneumococcal (77%), hepatitis (55%), and diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (19%). Adequate training, time, support from management and staff, and liability coverage were important factors that allowed pharmacists to incorporate immunizations into their practice. No significant differences in job satisfaction were observed between immunization-certified and noncertified pharmacists.
CONCLUSIONS: Immunization-certified pharmacists are using their skills to administer vaccines to patients within their communities. Efforts to increase the number of these pharmacists throughout the US should be undertaken.
Key Words: immunization, vaccination
Published Online, December 15, 2003. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1D257
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