Abstract
Background: Bordetella pertussis or whooping cough is a serious and vaccine-preventable illness. Despite widespread vaccination in the pediatric population, pertussis still infects approximately 100,000 infants each year in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine gaps in pharmacists’ understanding, attitudes, practices, and barriers surrounding the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination recommendation for patients who are pregnant or planning to come in close contact with infants. Methods: This study was a descriptive, exploratory electronic survey. The survey assessed three major areas; the role of the pharmacist in Tdap vaccination, perceived barriers to vaccination, and understanding the recommendations. Results: A total of 225 pharmacists responded to the survey. Pharmacists who responded to this survey agreed that pharmacists should have a role vaccinating the public and individuals expecting to come into contact with a newborn, (88.5% and 86.9%) respectively, but fewer agreed that pharmacists should have a role vaccinating pregnant women against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (77%, p < 0.001). Based on the responses to case scenarios, only 22.5% and 30.6% of respondents understood the recommendations. Numerous barriers to vaccinating pregnant women were identified. Conclusion: While most pharmacists surveyed felt they should have a role in vaccinating pregnant women and those expecting to come in contact with a newborn, there are barriers to implementing this practice. Future efforts should focus on further evaluating identified gaps and developing programs for pharmacists that emphasize the significance of vaccinating these patients to reduce the burden of pertussis in infants.
Highlights
Bordetella pertussis or whooping cough is a serious and vaccine-preventable illness that poses a significant morbidity and mortality risk to children under the age of two [1]
Our study identified trends in knowledge gaps among pharmacists and barriers to immunization that need to be further evaluated and addressed in order to maximize the utility of pharmacists and improve vaccination rates in this patient population
Most pharmacists who responded to our survey agreed that pharmacists should play a role in vaccinating the public (88.5%) and those expecting to come in contact with a newborn against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
Summary
Bordetella pertussis or whooping cough is a serious and vaccine-preventable illness that poses a significant morbidity and mortality risk to children under the age of two [1]. It is recommended that all people who are expected to come in contact with an infant receive one dose of the Tdap vaccine if not previously vaccinated, as cocooning provides maximal protection to the infant. This should ideally be administered at least two weeks prior to contact [3]. The purpose of this study was to determine gaps in pharmacists’ understanding, attitudes, practices, and barriers surrounding the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination recommendation for patients who are pregnant or planning to come in close contact with infants. Pharmacists who responded to this survey agreed that pharmacists should have a role vaccinating the public and individuals expecting to come into contact with a newborn,
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