Evaluation of vaccination rate against pertussis and promotional strategies for increasing awareness of vaccination implemented in community pharmacy practice

Purpose: Outbreaks of pertussis have gradually increased in infants, children, and adults due to lack of awareness about vaccinations against the disease and concern for causing autism. The rate of Tdap vaccinations is lingering well below targets of Healthy People 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27,500 cases of pertussis were reported in the United States in 2010. Specifically in Utah, 11 cases were reported in April of 2012. Our study aims to identify the percentage of Utah community pharmacies offering Tdap, percentage of Tdap administered compared with other available vaccinations, and strategies pharmacies use to promote awareness or adherence to immunization schedules.

Methods: Surveys were distributed to more than 100 community pharmacies in the Salt Lake City area by fax and hand delivery by student pharmacists. Information requested included whether Tdap vaccines were offered, number of Tdap vaccines administered from May 2011 to May 2012, number of all vaccines administered from May 2011 to May 2012, and promotional strategies implemented regarding availability or importance of immunizations. Pharmacies reported number of administered vaccines from drug maintenance records. The inclusion criterion is provision of any type of immunizations including or excluding Tdap.

Results: Of the community pharmacies receiving the survey, 47 pharmacies responded with the requested information but 4 were excluded from data analysis due to not meeting the inclusion criterion. All 43 pharmacies included in the data analysis offer influenza vaccinations while 47% offer Tdap. For promotional strategies, the most common method was outdoor posters with 77% of pharmacies using them to enhance awareness about immunizations. The least common method was telephone calls at 21%. Text messaging was not a form of promotion for any pharmacy. Results for percentage of Tdap administered compared to overall vaccinations are pending.

Conclusion: To be presented at the ACCP Annual Meeting.