The role of pharmacists in the delivery of influenza vaccinations.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to determine whether influenza vaccine rates have increased in states where pharmacists can give vaccines.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from the years 1995 and 1999. Information regarding legislation allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines was obtained from the American Pharmaceutical Association.


RESULTS
Individuals aged 65 years and older who lived in states where pharmacists could provide vaccines had significantly higher (P < 0.01) influenza vaccine rates than individuals of this age who resided in states where pharmacists could not provide vaccines.


CONCLUSIONS
Allowing pharmacists to provide vaccinations is associated with higher influenza vaccination rates for individuals aged 65 years and older.
Steyer
Terrence E
TE
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun Street, Box 250192, Charleston, SC 29425-0192, USA. steyerte@musc.edu
Ragucci
Kelly R
KR
Pearson
William S
WS
Mainous
Arch G
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines