Pharmacist-delivered immunisations are potentially an area of great opportunity for the pharmacy profession with the results of Phase 1 of the Queensland trial showing stunning results.
Analysis of Phase 1 of the pilot in Queensland shows more than 10,000 people were vaccinated by pharmacists during the trial. Further, 96% of those vaccinated stated that they were ‘completely satisfied’ with the pharmacist vaccination service, and 97% of those vaccinated indicated they would return to a pharmacy for future vaccinations. The data also shows that 14% of those vaccinated had never had a vaccination before while 38% had been vaccinated, but not every year.
The trial has now been extended with Phase 2, which began on September 1, involving up to 200 pharmacies and introducing whooping cough and measles vaccines into the Queensland-wide program.
With the success of the Queensland trial, the opportunity for pharmacists to immunise is one of intense discussion.
Ideas of a turf war, pharmacists lacking specific skills, pharmacies lacking basic logistic requirements and a lack of public benefit continue to swirl with intense opinion throughout medical and pharmacy media.
The Pharmacy Australia Congress (PAC14) will examine these issues and other aspects of pharmacist-delivered immunisations at two sessions during the Congress in Canberra.
They will be conducted by Chris Campbell who is the professional services pharmacist for the Terry White Chemists Group where he is responsible for the implementation of professional services across the group of 170 stores; and Professor Lisa Nissen, head of the School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, and whose research focuses on the Quality Use of Medicines in the wider community and the expansion of roles for pharmacists. PSA Queensland Branch President Michelle Rosenthal, a pharmacist whose career has spanned hospital and community practice and the pharmaceutical industry, will also present during the sessions.
The sessions will bring perspective, discussion and debate on the standards required, skills necessary and public health issues surrounding pharmacist immunisation, drawing on key opinion leaders in this fascinating advanced practice opportunity.
The Congress will be held at the National Convention Centre from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2014.
Full program information and online registration is available at www.psa.org.au/pac