Effects of a student pharmacist consultation on patient knowledge and attitudes about vaccines

ObjectiveTo measure the impact of student pharmacists’ consultation on participant knowledge and attitudes about influenza and tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines.DesignPre- and post-consultation surveys.SettingFree health care service and immunization clinics in Vallejo and Martinez, CA.ParticipantsChildren and adults 13 years of age or older.InterventionA convenience sample of participants completed a preintervention survey (PrIs) on basic vaccine knowledge and attitudes. Student pharmacists then delivered the intervention, which consisted of a 5-minute consultation on vaccines. A postintervention (PoIs) survey was administered immediately after the intervention.Main outcome measuresCumulative scores for eight knowledge-based questions and four attitude-based questions.Results198 participants completed both PrIs and PoIs. Compared with the PrI scores, the PoI scores showed significant improvement in basic vaccine knowledge and attitudes toward receiving vaccinations. Participants also were more likely to view pharmacists as a source of information about vaccines after the intervention. Student pharmacists administered 109 total vaccinations during the study, including 68 influenza vaccinations and 41 Tdap vaccinations.ConclusionA short, 5-minute consultation by a student pharmacist may increase vaccination rates and help serve as a vehicle to change the public's view of vaccines as well as pharmacists and their role in primary and preventive care.