Planning and Implementation of a Student-led Immunization Clinic

Abstract

Students and faculty planned and implemented a pharmacist-led influenza clinic on election day. A needs assessment was conducted, and a core team was convened for planning and reaching out to health departments. Stakeholders helped to identify polling sites and obtain sponsorship for vaccinations. Standing orders and a protocol were considered and university legal counsel addressed potential liability issues. Volunteers were trained, and the event was promoted through media outlets. This pharmacist-led immunization clinic provided 153 vaccinations; 42 individuals received an influenza vaccination for the first time. Over 30 students and faculty members were involved in the clinic. Lessons learned, including challenges, opportunities, and practical recommendations, are provided for students and faculty pharmacists who wish to conduct similar programs.

Re-engineering of South Africa’s primary health care system: where is the pharmacist?

“…26 Prescribing patterns in general and particularly for the elderly would be monitored to curb polypharmacy, as complex drug regimens taken against unstable pharmacokinetic profiles 27 increase the risk of adverse events and hospitalisations. In developed countries, clinical training of pharmacy students in immunisation, 28 paediatric pharmacotherapy, 29 chronic medication therapy management, 30 pharmacovigilance and diabetes management 31 are embedded in the health service, which has resulted in positive health outcomes.…”

Assessing student confidence and understanding with the immunization process through implementation of an immunization protocol at a school of pharmacy

“…[9][10][11] One recent article describes the implementation of studentled immunization clinics in collaboration with local health departments. 12 Another study focuses on quantifying standing order programs within long-term care facilities to deliver influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, which differs from the current study that is specific to pharmacy student education. 13 Two surveys evaluate student knowledge of influenza and readiness to immunize, but these surveys are not in relation to preparedness before and after a skill-based immunization event as described in this design.…”

Student pharmacists’ role in enhancing ambulatory care pharmacy practice

“… 20 , 42 , 43 This can include the time spent training students or planning events for students, such as medical missions or diabetes self-management courses. 42 , 43 A suggestion to minimize this burden includes planning far enough in advance to overcome any legal barriers or site restrictions for student-led initiatives (e.g., immunization clinic). 42 Involving more individuals in the planning is recommended, especially if engaging in an interprofessional activity.…”

“… 42 , 43 A suggestion to minimize this burden includes planning far enough in advance to overcome any legal barriers or site restrictions for student-led initiatives (e.g., immunization clinic). 42 Involving more individuals in the planning is recommended, especially if engaging in an interprofessional activity. 43 Lastly, ensuring there is enough time to train students, especially depending on the level of tasks the student will be performing, is a necessary consideration.…”