NCPA provides support to pharmacists to help extend immunization offerings

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Community Pharmacists Association announced Monday that it had begun offering an online resource to help pharmacists develop and build immunization niche services.

NCPA’s Immunization Information Resource Center is available through Pharmacist e-Link, at www.pharmacistelink.com/IVResource.

“As we continue through the flu season, many patients have visited their community pharmacies for convenience, cost savings and increased access to healthcare services, including immunizations,” NCPA president Holly Henry said in a statement. “From the everyday concerns of a resurgence of mumps, pneumonia, the need for vaccinations for travel abroad to the more global issues of pandemic or greater public health concerns, the independent pharmacy is the ideal for adult vaccinations and immunizations year-round.”

NCPA says the site offers resources such as an eight-hour online business tools program titled “Creating an Immunization Niche in the Community Pharmacy: A Business Guide,” developed by NCPA and Merck.

Nationwide, 49 states allow pharmacists to administer immunizations.