Pharmacist-led influenza vaccination services in residential aged care homes: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: The feasibility of pharmacist-led influenza vaccination services in residential aged care homes has not previously been studied. The primary objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of this service. The secondary objective was to assess the effect of the service on employee vaccination rates. Methods: An in-house pharmacist-led vaccination service was implemented at a single site in 2017. De-identified employee influenza vaccination records at this site for 2016 and 2017 were compared to assess the change in vaccination rate. Results: The residential care pharmacist administered 37% of all influenza vaccinations to employees (n = 78) in 2017. Between 2016 and 2017, there was a significant improvement in the employee vaccination rate at the site (46.5% vs 69.2%, P < 0.01). Conclusions: It is feasible for pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations to employees in residential aged care. The flexibility of an in-house pharmacist improves accessibility and can therefore promote uptake of influenza vaccination by employees.