The rapid implementation of a pharmacy student vaccination program with the Department of Health to increase the delivery of intradermal monkeypox vaccinations

Abstract

AbstractThe monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus, which is in the same family of viruses as the variola virus that causes smallpox. The United States (US) has documented the largest number of monkeypox globally with a reported 28 000 people infected. The greatest number of cases in the United States have been reported in men, ages 31–40. More than 90% of US cases between 17 May and 22 July 2022 were reported in men who reported recent sex or close contact with a man. Because of New Mexico's unique experience with pharmacist‐administered tuberculin skin testing, pharmacists and pharmacy students were in a position to fill a community needs to provide intradermal monkeypox vaccinations. Pharmacy students at the University of New Mexico administered 355 subcutaneous doses and 534 intradermal doses of the monkeypox vaccine. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight how pharmacy student interns can be successfully trained to vaccinate using the intradermal route of administration and provide patient care during this public health outbreak.