A number of pharmacists commented on my blog the other day about novel H1N1 influenza immunizations. Thanks to all of you who responded. This is a great way to have a dialogue with colleagues.
Some of the comments questioned whether pharmacists should immunize in the first place. Let me address a few of the points made to provide some clarity. Pharmacists are not generally “forced” to immunize. However, many pharmacists (80,000 trained in the US by year’s end using APhA programs) have seen both the public health and the professional benefits offered by this service.
In APhA’s discussions with the various governmental entities (CDC, Homeland Security, FDA, others) involved in preparations for H1N1 immunizations, we are seen as equals with other health professionals and also as having tremendous advantages in providing access to the 100 million plus (big number) of Americans who those groups hope will be immunized against H1N1. America needs our help — else the mass immunization program will have barriers that turn people away and people may die.
To answer the question above regarding compensation, see my note above about being seen as equals. This will not be a windfall for any health care providers, but it is an opportunity to bolster our collaborative spirit and to be fairly compensated in the process.
Let’s keep the dialogue going. If you are a pharmacist doubtful of the need or wisdom to become an immunizer, have a conversation with a few folks who already provide this service before dismissing it as a possibility for yourself. As always, thanks for participating in the blog.
Just an FYI Walgreens is requiring that all their Pharmacist be certified to give immunizations, or risk losing their job. They will “try” to place non-immuziers in stores where there are two Pharmacists working where one is certified to give immunizations. They however will not guarentee fulltime employment. This is the exact wording of an email received by a 25 year employee of the company.
Another FYI Smith’s food and drug store is also requiring that all their Pharmacist be certified to administer immunizations, or be at risk of loosing their job.
They will not have another pharmacist on the shift it will be up to the pharmacist on duty to work the shots into their workflow.
I believe this is a redundant question as many pharmacists are being forced to immuzine and the real question should be – “what about the pharmacists that do NOT want to immunize?”
This organization, APhA, is supposed to be for pharmacists, by pharmacists, and of pharmacists. However, where is the representation of the pharmacists that do NOT believe in immunizations themselves and are now being required by their job to give flu shots? OR ELSE… Risking termination of employment, shift changes, hours reduction – see the above comments.
This organization is obviously on the side of immunizing, but APhA should really take an unbiased stance on the subject. Also, it should entertain topics of intimidation by corporations againsts America’s #1 trusted profession!
I agree with Shelly…where is an organization to protect those of us who do not want to risk disease and liability? We were told this legislation would be an optional tool and not a forced task.
Stop pharmacists from being forced to immunize or face termination!
http://www.petitiononline.com/pharm/petition.html
Everyone wants to promote something positive, but no one wants to face the ugly truth or deal with issues…real issues in the retail pharmacy setting.
My retail pharmacy chain has just informed us by corporate email that we are all required to become certified immunizers by August of 2012, or our employment will be terminated. So much for choice.