280360
Collaboration between a school of pharmacy and county public health departments to improve vaccination rates in Medicare beneficiaries
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Kate M. O'Dell, PharmD,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Sila Ozdemir,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Su Kang,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Athena Xides,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
George David,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Rajul A. Patel, PharmD, PhD,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Stockton, CA
Suzanne M. Galal, PharmD,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Sian M. Carr-Lopez, PharmD,
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Background: Despite Medicare Part B coverage for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, vaccination rates remain suboptimal in seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, racial and ethnic disparities exist in vaccination rates. Objective: To increase vaccination rates of Medicare beneficiaries through collaboration between a school of pharmacy and county public health departments. Methods: The University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy conducted a series of outreach events between October-November 2011 and 2012. Nine events were conducted at the same location in both years. Events targeted Medicare beneficiaries, many from racial/ethnic minority groups. Partnerships were formed with San Joaquin and Santa Clara County Departments of Public Health, which provided influenza vaccines for use at these events. Vaccination history was evaluated, and the influenza, pneumococcal polysaccharide and Tdap vaccines were administered by a student pharmacist, under pharmacist's supervision, when appropriate. Demographics, vaccination history, and self-reported chronic health conditions were recorded. Results: Of 575 Medicare beneficiaries assisted in 2012, approximately 78% indicated having received the influenza vaccine within the last year. A significantly higher percentage of Asians (86.2%) compared to Caucasians (75.4%) reported receiving the influenza vaccine (p<0.01). Significantly higher numbers of chronic health conditions were reported in those receiving the influenza vaccine within the last year (mean ± SD: 4.4 ± 2.8. vs. 3.7 ± 2.7, p=0.01). Overall vaccination rates with pneumococcal and Tdap vaccines were 62.3% and 51.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Collaboration between a pharmacy school and public health departments improved vaccination rates in seniors, including those from underserved or underrepresented groups.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related education
Learning Objectives:
Compare national vaccination rates with those from the collaboration between a school of pharmacy and public health departments
Keyword(s): Immunizations, Public Health Education and Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a faculty member and clinical pharmacist, and I completed a 2-year post-doctoral fellowship in pharmaceutical outcomes research. I have been the principal or co-principal of studies related to public health and pharmacist interventions. The collaborative work of my colleagues and I have resulted in 19 posters and publications since 2004.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
