Impact of a multi-component immunization intervention on pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccinations: A randomized controlled trial of community pharmacies in 2 states

Res Social Adm Pharm. 2019 Dec;15(12):1453-1463. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.01.006. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the We Immunize Program on structures, processes, and outcomes of pneumococcal and herpes zoster pharmacy-based immunization services.

Methods: Pharmacy-technician pairs from 62 Alabama and California community pharmacies participated in a 6-month randomized controlled trial (intervention = 30/control = 32). All received immunization update training; intervention participants also received practical strategies training and monthly telephonic expert feedback. Completion of immunization service structure and process activities were analyzed using Fisher's Exact and one-way Mann-Whitney U tests. The primary outcome, change in number of pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and total vaccine doses administered, was assessed using one-way Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. Associations between program and vaccine doses across time were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results: Intervention pharmacies completed more structure (median 12.00 versus 9.00, p = 0.200) and process activities (median 8.00 versus 7.00, p = 0.048) compared to control. Statistically significant increases in the median number of pneumococcal vaccine doses (7.50-12.00 doses, p = 0.007), and total vaccine doses (12.50-28.00 doses, p = 0.014) were seen from baseline to post-intervention within the intervention group. However, these changes were not statistically significant when compared to the control group (pneumococcal p = 0.136, total p = 0.202). Changes in median herpes zoster vaccine doses did not reach significance among intervention (8.50-9.00, p = 0.307) or control (9.00-13.00, p = 0.127) pharmacies.

Conclusions: Practical strategies training combined with tailored expert feedback enhanced existing pneumococcal immunization services in community pharmacies.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02615470.

Keywords: Community pharmacy; Herpes zoster; Immunization services; Implementation; Non-seasonal vaccines; Pneumococcal.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Community Pharmacy Services*
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster Vaccine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines*
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Herpes Zoster Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02615470