Pharmacist Immunizers Save Lives, Prevent Disease

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Our Rxperts Immunization Center offers up-to-date news about the H1N1 flu virus and vaccine development, CDC resources, vaccine protocols, state immunization guidelines, patient education materials and more. All of it is available free to TPA members who are accredited as immunizing pharmacists. If you are an accredited immunizing pharmacist and do not have the password to access the resource center, please contact Professional Affairs Director Kim Roberson at 800-505-5463 x142 or 512-836-8350 x142, or 512-615-9142 direct. You can also email Kim at kroberson@texaspharmacy.org.

Why Immunize?

Pharmacists are well-positioned to play a vital role in advancing the cause of immunizations in the United States. As trusted health-care advisers, pharmacists can be strong, effective advocates for immunizations. Immunization-certified pharmacists are authorized in Texas to administer a variety or adult vaccines and childhood influenza vaccines under standing orders from a licensed physician. Finally, as high-profile businesses with significant patient traffic, pharmacies are ideal locations for administering vaccines and hosting immunization clinics.

Pharmacy-based immunizations are far more than just an a new patient convenience. Immunizations are a tangible means by which pharmacy professionals help control infectious diseases in their communities. Pharmacists who provide immunization services save lives from influenza, pneumonia, meningitis and other diseases. Providing immunizations strengthens the pharmacist role in administering drug therapy to cure, manage or prevent disease.

The benefits of pharmacy-based immunizations

• Pharmacists are the most accessible health-care providers and can usually be seen without an appointment. A patient can receive a vaccination in about the same amount of time it takes to fill a prescription.
• Pharmacy-based immunizations increase public access to vaccines -- they are convenient and cost less than in a doctor’s office. Pharmacies are found in a variety of locations and are open on nights and weekends when other providers are usually unavailable.
• Administering immunizations moves pharmacists more into the forefront of patient care as proactive members of the health-care community. 
• Providing immunizations gives a pharmacy more visibility and credibility with customers and the community. 
• Pharmacies that administer immunizations earn additional revenue. They typically charge $15-30 per vaccination, depending on the vaccine. Immunizations bring more patient traffic into stores and increase profits.