Utilization of Immunization Information Systems (IIS) among independently owned community pharmacies: A national survey

Abstract

Background/ObjectiveImmunization information systems (IIS) consolidate provider-submitted immunization information. We reassessed independently owned community pharmacies’ IIS enrollment, verification of immunizations needs via IIS records retrieval, and immunization records reporting to IISs following post-pandemic shifts in community pharmacy operations. MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of National Community Pharmacists Association pharmacist, pharmacy owner, and pharmacy technician members was conducted in Fall 2022. Results202 complete responses were analyzed. Margin of error was an estimated 7 %. Respondents were: 53.2 % female, ∼87 % White, 69.8 % managers, and 86.1 % practicing in standalone community pharmacies. Almost all (91.6 %) were enrolled in IIS. About two-thirds frequently or always utilized IIS to retrieve immunization records prior to immunization. On average, 81.2 % of influenza and 83.5 % of non-COVID/non-influenza vaccination records were submitted. ConclusionsEnrollment rates are high among studied pharmacies, as are records reporting rates. However, records retrieval rates are suboptimal. Future work should focus on addressing suboptimal retrieval rates within immunization-providing pharmacies.