As mentioned previously, pharmacists are ideally suited to gather immunization history as part of patient's medication histories, screen for vaccination needs, and identify patients at risk of pneumococcal disease. Pharmacists can educate patients about the importance of keeping track of immunization and medication records for themselves and for other family members, and can provide patients with these documentation materials. Pharmacists may be able to provide patients with additional take-home materials including information about clinics or local health departments where they can follow up for vaccinations if necessary. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Lists can be generated from a variety of sources to identify at-risk patients who could be sent post cards or letters urging them to check with health care providers about pneumococcal vaccination.
Pharmacists can volunteer to speak at all kinds of local meetings to discuss immunization.
While pharmacists as immunizers may not be a feasible alternative in all practice settings, it may be an option for some pharmacists as a way to promote immunization. There are many methods your institution can use to increase pneumococcal vaccination. Whatever methods are used, it is very important for your institution to set goals for its programs and to evaluate their effectiveness. Pharmacists can play key roles in identifying high-risk patients, developing and administering strategies to increase vaccinations, and educating fellow healthcare practitioners and patients about the importance of vaccination.