Pneumococcal Vaccine Services and Harlem CommunityPharmacies

The overall goal of this quality improvement project is to increase pneumococcal immunizations among populations of color in Central and East Harlem by coupling pneumococcal vaccine administration with other pharmacy-based reimbursed services delivered by community pharmacies. Our approach includes the recognition that community pharmacists may require further education about the need for pneumococcal vaccination, methods for reaching at risk residents, and reimbursement opportunities. We recognize the influence of perceived and actual regulatory and fiscal barriers and the benefit of instructional dialogue with service providers.