People vaccinated by pharmacists: descriptive epidemiology.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographic, clinical, and attitudinal characteristics of people vaccinated by pharmacists, using a multistate sample of pharmacists and a more extensive set of parameters than previous studies.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS

1,730 adults vaccinated at 21 community pharmacies in 17 cities in 10 states.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Vaccinees' age, sex, and selected demographic characteristics; current medications and prescription use patterns; distance traveled to pharmacy; and opinions about vaccine providers.

RESULTS

60% of respondents were women; average age was 54 +/- 15 years. One-quarter were age 65 years or older. About 9% were younger than 65 and took medication for chronic heart or lung disease or diabetes. Almost half took prescribed medications chronically, and 84% came to the pharmacy intending to be vaccinated. All of the respondents believed they were treated respectfully. Many respondents considered the pharmacy advantageous, compared with other vaccine providers, based on access, proximity, trust, convenience, and/or cost.

CONCLUSION

Respondents vaccinated by a community pharmacist were satisfied with the experience and would recommend it to others.