Using an Algorithm to Assess Vaccination Among Patients Who Attended a Pharmacy Student–Driven Statewide Free Health Screening

Abstract

Background National vaccination rates remain below goals. Given the geographic availability of community pharmacies, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide immunizations. However, many pharmacists may not be proactively recommending vaccinations to patients. Objective The objective of this project was to assess recommendation acceptance rates among patients who attended a pharmacy student–driven statewide free health screening. Methods A brief algorithm addressing 4 routine adult vaccinations was created for use by student pharmacists to initiate conversations regarding potentially indicated vaccines with patients. This algorithm was employed at statewide screenings in 2014 and 2015 with expert users available for further discussion. Follow-up to determine recommendation acceptance and identify barriers to immunization occurred 3 to 12 months after screening. The primary end point of change in immunization recommendation acceptance rates between 2014 and 2015 was analyzed using a chi-square test; secondary objectives included changes in consent rates and thematic analysis of reported barriers. Results A total of 1016 patients were screened. Of these, 403 (39.7%) patients gave consent for student pharmacists to follow-up on vaccine recommendations. The overall recommendation acceptance rate was 27%, with approximately 46% of patients accepting at least 1 recommendation. Acceptance rates significantly decreased in the second year (36.5% vs 23.5%, P < .001), while consent for follow-up significantly increased (20% vs 64%, P < .001). Commonly reported barriers to immunization included resistance to vaccines, forgetfulness, and cost. Conclusion This algorithm provided a method for novice users to initiate conversations with patients about immunizations and may allow novices to act as pharmacist extenders to improve immunization rates.