Martha P Skiles1, Jianwen Cai, Abigail English, Carol A Ford. 1. Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. skiles@email.unc.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe adolescent immunization practices prevalent in retail pharmacies in the United States, where little is known about their potential for increasing adolescent immunizations. METHODS: State pharmacy association spokespersons with knowledge of statewide pharmacy practices were interviewed to assess pharmacy practices and vaccine-related attitudes. Descriptive frequencies and score-tested differences in attitudes, using the generalized estimating equation, are presented. RESULTS: A total of 24 respondents from 24 states completed the interviews. Of these , 14 respondents reported that pharmacists vaccinate adolescents and in these states more than 40% of adolescents presenting for vaccines without a parent would receive vaccines some of the time. Knowledge of minor consent laws was found to be limited. Vaccines were routinely available in <50% of the retail pharmacies. Most of the respondents strongly agreed with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (83%), human papillomavirus vaccine (58%), and influenza (71%) vaccine. The percentage of the respondents who believed that financial barriers make it difficult for adolescents to obtain human papillomavirus vaccine (96%) and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (78%) was significantly higher as compared with those who had the same belief regarding influenza (35%) (p < .001). Nineteen respondents (79%) believed that adolescent immunization services in retail pharmacies will likely expand in the next 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: If pharmacists want to expand their adolescent immunization roles, they should ensure the availability of adolescent vaccine and address clarification related to consent for vaccines in case of minors.
PURPOSE: To describe adolescent immunization practices prevalent in retail pharmacies in the United States, where little is known about their potential for increasing adolescent immunizations. METHODS: State pharmacy association spokespersons with knowledge of statewide pharmacy practices were interviewed to assess pharmacy practices and vaccine-related attitudes. Descriptive frequencies and score-tested differences in attitudes, using the generalized estimating equation, are presented. RESULTS: A total of 24 respondents from 24 states completed the interviews. Of these , 14 respondents reported that pharmacists vaccinate adolescents and in these states more than 40% of adolescents presenting for vaccines without a parent would receive vaccines some of the time. Knowledge of minor consent laws was found to be limited. Vaccines were routinely available in <50% of the retail pharmacies. Most of the respondents strongly agreed with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendations for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (83%), human papillomavirus vaccine (58%), and influenza (71%) vaccine. The percentage of the respondents who believed that financial barriers make it difficult for adolescents to obtain human papillomavirus vaccine (96%) and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (78%) was significantly higher as compared with those who had the same belief regarding influenza (35%) (p < .001). Nineteen respondents (79%) believed that adolescent immunization services in retail pharmacies will likely expand in the next 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: If pharmacists want to expand their adolescent immunization roles, they should ensure the availability of adolescent vaccine and address clarification related to consent for vaccines in case of minors.
Authors: Paul L Reiter; Annie-Laurie McRee; Jessica K Pepper; Kim Chantala; Noel T Brewer Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2012-03-15 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Patricia A Carney; Sarah Bumatay; Grace M Kuo; Paul M Darden; Andrew Hamilton; Lyle J Fagnan; Brigit Hatch Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2022-07-04