Immunization Education in US Pharmacy Colleges and Schools

Abstract

Objective. To determine the extent immunization is covered at US colleges/schools of pharmacy, and secondarily to characterize what immunization/vaccine-related content is taught. Methods.A 23-question online survey was sent to 128 accredited US pharmacy colleges/schools.Frequency and descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data and the Fisher's exact test was used to compare opportunities for students to engage in Introductory (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) at colleges/schools located in states that do / do not allow pharmacy students/interns to vaccinate. The a priori level of significance was <0.05.Results. Eighty accredited US pharmacy colleges/schools responded to the survey (62.5% response rate).The APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Program was offered by 73 (91.3%) colleges/schools, while 5 (6.3%) offered a different immunization certificate program. Sixty-nine (86.3%) and 36 (45%) colleges/schools integrated immunization topics into their required/core (mean 8.4 contact hours) and elective curricula, respectively. Of the 27 immunization-related topics, 23 (85.2%) were covered by at least 80% of colleges/schools. IPPEs and APPEs that provide opportunities for students to engage in immunization-related activities were offered at 64/79 (81%) and 72/78 (92.3%) colleges/schools, respectively. Colleges/schools located in states that permit pharmacy students/interns to Conclusion.Immunization curricula at US colleges and schools of pharmacy appears to align with ACPE standards, as well as AACP and ACCP recommendations, and nearly all colleges/schools are utilizing the APhA Program to do so.

Pharmacist-administered pediatric vaccination services in the United States: major barriers and potential solutions for the outpatient setting

“…Presently, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, student pharmacists have varied authority to vaccinate pediatric patients 18. The American Pharmacist Association Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Program, which the majority of Schools of Pharmacy use to train student pharmacists, focuses on the practical administration of vaccines to adults only 22. For pediatric vaccines, students in the program are trained only on immunization schedules and vaccine drug information, but do not practice pediatric injection technique.…”

An Assessment of Pharmacy School Curricula in Florida and Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV) Administration to Pregnant Women

“…Pharmacists can provide immunization services through the standing orders program, which is a recommendation of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which allows other healthcare providers besides physicians to administer vaccines according to a physician/institutional approved protocol [ 18 ]. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires specific topics be covered in required content areas for a school to be accredited, which include immunization under public health [ 19 , 20 ]. Most pharmacy schools now provide immunization training [ 21 ], and instruction is delivered through the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and programs such as the Minnesota College of Pharmacy Immunization Delivery Program, and the Collaborative Education Institute Immunization Training [ 20 , 21 ].…”

“…The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires specific topics be covered in required content areas for a school to be accredited, which include immunization under public health [ 19 , 20 ]. Most pharmacy schools now provide immunization training [ 21 ], and instruction is delivered through the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and programs such as the Minnesota College of Pharmacy Immunization Delivery Program, and the Collaborative Education Institute Immunization Training [ 20 , 21 ]. Studies show that pharmacy students can successfully administer vaccines to adults when trained [ 22 ].…”

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

“…12 According to Prescott and Bernhardi, the majority of US colleges of pharmacy provide this education through the requirement of the American Pharmacists Association's immunization certificate program. 13,14 A review of the literature in settings in the United States and Canada by Church et al showed that student pharmacists can impact patient knowledge of vaccines; however, none of the studies reviewed in the analysis reported whether the educational interventions by students translated into patients receiving vaccinations. 15 The objective of this project was to assess immunization recommendation acceptance rates among patients who attended a pharmacy student-driven statewide free health screening by piloting an immunization algorithm designed to initiate conversations between novice users and patients.…”