PIN75 IMMUNIZATIONS AND INJECTABLE MEDICATIONS: PHARMACISTS' INTEREST, ENGAGEMENT, AND REIMBURSEMENT PATTERNS IN MISSISSIPPI

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine patterns of interest, engagement, and reimbursement of immunizations and injectable medications in community pharmacies in Mississippi. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with community pharmacists in Mississippi. Survey items assessed current and potential interest in administration of immunizations and other injectables, current reimbursement rates by payer type, and pharmacists’ personal and practice site characteristics. A total of 102 practicing community pharmacists responded. Pharmacists reported significant engagement in routine immunizations (e.g., influenza, shingles, pneumococcal disease), with 85% or more reporting administering these vaccines. Pharmacists reported lower rates of administration of catch-up immunizations (e.g., hepatitis B, DTaP, rotavirus), with 5.9% to 32.4% reporting administering these. Few pharmacists (<5%) reported administering travel immunizations. Pharmacists not providing immunizations reported strong interest in providing both routine and catch-up immunizations. Fewer pharmacists reported providing injectable services, with B-12 and medroxyprogesterone being the most commonly provided. Administration reimbursement rates varied across payers, with commercial insurance providing the lowest reimbursements and cash payment providing the highest level of reimbursements on average, with the exception of influenza immunization. Time, patient willingness, and reimbursement rates were the most endorsed perceived barriers to providing immunization services. Overall, Mississippi community pharmacists are engaged and interested in the provision of immunizations, but there is opportunity to expand this practice. Future research should evaluate methods to overcome the barriers identified to increase the provision of immunizations in the highly accessible community pharmacy environment.