Implementation of a pharmacy-based immunization program in a supermarket chain.
OBJECTIVE
To describe procedures for implementing a pharmacy-based immunization program in a supermarket chain.


METHODS
Supermarket chain pharmacy.


METHODS
Ukrop's is a local supermarket chain with 27 stores in the greater area of Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg, Virginia, 19 of which have pharmacies. Ukrop's offers enhanced patient care services including immunizations, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, hyperlipidemia monitoring, and smoking cessation. All pharmacies offer adult immunizations and host periodic diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia screening events.


METHODS
Adult immunization program.


METHODS
Each pharmacy offered influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations on a walk-up basis during pharmacy hours and during clinics held at least 3 days per week. Immunizations were also offered periodically at off-site locations. Distribution of letters and chart stickers to patients' physicians, and even partnership with a physician to establish the immunization protocol, helped increase awareness of the pharmacy immunization services. This service involved a core group of immunizing pharmacists who developed a policies and procedures manual, distributed the vaccine, and handled additional staffing requirements.


METHODS
Number of adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations administered by pharmacists.


RESULTS
Between September and December 1998, Ukrop's pharmacists administered 5,137 influenza vaccinations and 613 pneumococcal vaccinations. Between September 1999 and January 2000, Ukrop's pharmacists administered 18,000 influenza vaccinations and 1,200 pneumococcal vaccinations.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to immunizing thousands of people in its first year, the program served as a successful marketing tool to increase awareness of enhanced pharmacy services in the community and among local physicians. Administration of vaccines increased pharmacists involvement with and enthusiasm for enhanced patient care services and generated a revenue stream for the pharmacies.
Weitzel
K W
KW
School of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, Ga., USA.
Goode
J V
JV
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014611:Vaccination