Economic analysis of a herpes zoster vaccination program in 19 affiliated supermarket pharmacies.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the economic impact of providing herpes zoster vaccine (ZOS) in 19 affiliated supermarket pharmacies in a midwestern metropolitan area from the perspective of the pharmacy and to identify factors associated with greater rates of vaccine delivery and profitability.

SETTING

19 affiliated supermarket pharmacies in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

Immunizations with ZOS were expanded from 2 pharmacies to all 19 affiliated pharmacies. Various methods to promote the vaccine were used, including personal selling, store signage, and circular ads.

PRACTICE INNOVATION

In addition to a broad perspective pharmacoeconomic model, a localized perspective model is proposed to determine profitability for the service. Factors associated with greater success in vaccine delivery and profitability were identified.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE

Net financial gains or losses were calculated for each vaccine administered for each of the 19 pharmacies and for the entire supermarket chain.

RESULTS

662 vaccines were given during the study period, accounting for 6.7% of all eligible patients. The profit per vaccine averaged $9.60 (5.7%) and $28.37 (18.9%) using the broad and localized perspective models, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Success of the ZOS program was demonstrated using both models. Certain factors correlated with greater profits when using the localized perspective model.