The Effect of Pharmacist Intervention on the Use of Zostavax in a Community Pharmacy Setting

Several studies exist documenting the perception and satisfaction of patients receiving immunizations from pharmacists, as well as the effects of pharmacist involvement in advocating and administering vaccinations. The most well documented studies have been conducted in hospital settings. Undoubtedly, there is enormous opportunity for the community pharmacist to identify potential vaccine recipients, advocate immunization and administer said immunizations to their established patient populations. However, there is a lack of concentrated study in the implementation of immunization services in the community setting and their effects. The investigators intend to evaluate the intervention of pharmacists in an immunization program and the resulting changes in immunization rates.

Inclusion criteria

• men and women aged 60 or older without contraindications for the herpes zoster vaccination
• patients who have already experienced one or more episodes of herpes zoster infection were considered for vaccine receipt and study inclusion secondary to CDC ACIP recommendations

Exclusion criteria

• Patients aged < 60 years
• Anyone who has previously received the herpes zoster vaccine
• Anyone with an allergy to neomycin, gelatin or any other component of the vaccine
• Anyone receiving a live vaccine within 4 weeks
• Anyone with a compromised or weakened immune systems such as those receiving radiation, corticosteroids, or those with HIV/AIDS, cancer in the lymph, bone or blood systems
• Pregnant women or those in close contact with a pregnant woman