Role of Community Pharmacy in H1N1 Vaccination Campaign Highlighted by IOM

November 18, 2010 9:22 am

A recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) publication presents workshop findings about the planning, distribution, and administration of the 2009 H1N1 vaccination and highlights the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in the vaccination campaign. The report, “The 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Campaign: Summary of a Workshop Series,” notes that both independent and chain pharmacies “are involved extensively in seasonal influenza vaccination campaigns” and were thus in position to assist in the 2009 vaccination effort. IOM workshop participants noted the strengths of pharmacy contributions to the vaccination campaign including the availability of pharmacists trained as immunizers, their accessibility, and their knowledge of local communities. Workshop participants also discussed challenges and how pharmacies can most effectively participate in future vaccination efforts. The IOM report is available on the IOM Web site.