Identifying Opportunities for Improvement in Safety and Efficacy of Community Pharmacy Immunization Programs

Objective: To identify opportunities to improve safe and effective immunization delivery in community pharmacies. Methods: Pharmacy managers from chains in Michigan were interviewed about their company’s immunizations programs. A survey regarding immunization training, quality assurance measures, pharmacist comfort level immunizing different patient populations, and resources used in practice was distributed to community pharmacists throughout Michigan. Results: Most pharmacists (88.8%) confirmed they received American Pharmacists Association immunization training and felt they followed the guidelines outlined in that training course very well. No routine reassessment of immunization technique was reported. In a minority of respondents, some issues were identified: (1) not being up-to-date on cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as required by state law (7.1%), (2) lack of awareness of location of emergency kit (4.2% for epinephrine, 13.5% for diphenhydramine), and (3) feeling uncomfortable immunizing children (51% for children