The Role of Health System Pharmacy in Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates among Health Care Workers

Abstract

The Director's Forum series is written and edited by Robert J. Weber and Scott M. Mark and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. During the autumn months, health care professions and the media will advocate for immunizing all patients to prevent the occurrence and spread of influenza. A potential source of influenza in hospitalized patients is health care workers (HCWs) who have not been vaccinated. Pharmacists have long served as vaccine immunizers, advocates, and educators and may play an active role in improving vaccination rates among HCWs. Pharmacy directors should consider their department's role in influenza vaccination by becoming active partners in influenza prevention. By actively participating in making vaccines available in a variety of ways to HCWs, pharmacy directors can maximize the benefits of a hospital's employee vaccination program.