The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) presented the National APhA Immunization Champion Award (Partnership) to Project VACCINATE at their 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Nashville. Likely the largest partnership effort to improve adult immunization care in Washington state, Project VACCINATE created a real-world immunization neighborhood across western Washington communities through effective collaboration, coordination, and communication among key stakeholders, including patients. Co-led by UWSOP’s Peggy Odegard and Jennifer Bacci, Project VACCINATE brought together Bartell Drugs, and QFC Pharmacy, Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Pharmacy Association, and Scientific Technologies Corporation.
As a community pharmacist, I know the positive impact we, as pharmacists, can have on health in our communities—and Project VACCINATE proves it.” –Jennifer Bacci, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy
The team worked with 70 community pharmacies to identify new ways to improve vaccination rates through: forecasting immunization rates; sharing documentation of immunization data and communication with providers through the state’s immunization registry; training pharmacy teams to improve vaccination rates through value-based incentives; and enhancing pandemic vaccine preparedness and capacity in the region. The team was proud to see a 14% increase in the number of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, and pertussis vaccinations provided to adults 18 years and older in just a one year time period as a direct result of Project VACCINATE. The demonstration project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).
In May 2018, Project VACCINATE was named the winner of the Immunization Champion Award at the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit in Atlanta, GA. Congratulations to the Project VACCINATE team!
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