Innovative pharmacists have taken immunizations, including the influenza vaccine, to off-site clinics located at employer sites, churches, malls, and various other community locations, with the intent to keep people healthy during the annual flu season rather than having them experience extended illnesses and loss of productivity.
The pharmacy industry has increasingly sought to compete with other industries to address a large public health concern: undervaccination of the US adult population.
The child/adolescent vaccine schedule, produced by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), has been the go-to document for pediatricians and parents alike for years.
Successful pharmacists must be able to help themselves on both the business and clinical practice sides of the business.
Outbreaks of measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), and other vaccine-preventable diseases still occur in the United States.
Pharmacy providers who administer immunizations may be tempted to waive patient co-pays or deductibles.
We need to protect our patients and our communities against many vaccine-preventable diseases.
