Involvement of immunization-certified pharmacists with immunization activities

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.