Herpes Zoster
Conditions
Keywords
Herpes Zoster, Prevention & control, Pharmacists, Pharmacy, Pharmacies, Aged, Immunization, Vaccination
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether pharmacist-driven patient interventions can have an effect on the number of herpes zoster (Zostavax) vaccinations given in a community pharmacy setting.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
OTHERPersonalized letter
On Day 1 of the 2nd month, a personalized letter (addressing specific patient) was mailed to current pharmacy patients with indications for the Zostavax vaccine. Current patients were defined as those receiving at least one prescription medication from the pharmacy within 6 months. The personalized letter provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.
OTHERFlyer advertisement
Beginning on Day 1 of the 2nd month, flyer advertisements were distributed with all pharmacy sales. Flyer advertisements provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.
OTHERNewspaper press release
During the first week of the 2nd month, local newspapers published press releases. The press release provided detailed information about herpes zoster infection, the vaccine for herpes zoster prevention, indications for vaccine receipt and contraindications for vaccine receipt.
Sponsors
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
American Pharmacists Association
University of Tennessee
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| To assess the effect of a pharmacist-driven immunization campaign on the rate of Zostavax immunizations in three separate community pharmacy settings | 2 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| To evaluate the relative efficacy of specific interventions on the rate of herpes zoster vaccinations | 2 months |
| To evaluate the perception of patients receiving the herpes zoster vaccination as to the role of pharmacists as immunizers | 2 months |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed