Increasing pneumococcal vaccine uptake in underserved patients through reduction of barriers

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study are to: (1) identify vaccine-eligible patients via collection of a self-reported vaccination history, (2) determine clinical eligibility for pneumococcal vaccine through implementation of a screening tool, and (3) improve vaccine uptake by reducing educational and financial barriers. Methods: The charitable pharmacy was opened in 2010 to provide medications and clinical pharmacy services at no cost to underserved patients. This project expands the pharmacy services offered to patients with a focus on preventive care and the vaccination program, specifically to include pneumococcal vaccine. The population studied includes patients of the charitable pharmacy, who are English-speaking, willing to give consent to participate in the study, and at least 19 years old. The design of this project is a prospective, observational study using a convenience sample, and the study is to be conducted from the time of institutional review board approval through May 31, 2015. While patients are waiting for their prescriptions, a pharmacist or an advanced pharmacy practice experiential student gathers a complete vaccination history and applies screening criteria to assess eligibility for the pneumococcal vaccine based on the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice guidelines. All patients eligible for vaccine watch a brief educational video about the importance of pneumococcal vaccination. The patient is then asked if he or she would like to be vaccinated. Despite response, patients are asked to complete a followup survey assessing reasons for vaccine uptake or decline and opinions of the educational video and the consultation with the pharmacist. Vaccine is provided at no cost to those meeting specific financial criteria. Results: Descriptive statistics will be used to explain selected data related to consent, vaccination history, pneumococcal eligibility, educational intervention, and vaccine receipt.