Assessment of targeted automated messages on herpes zoster immunization numbers in an independent community pharmacy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of an automated phone call by a pharmacy owner on the number of herpes zoster vaccinations given in the independent community pharmacy setting, compare herpes zoster immunization numbers in the 3 months during the previous year to the 3 months during the intervention, and assess patient satisfaction with the automated phone call service.

METHODS: This prospective study took place in an independent community pharmacy. A message was recorded by the pharmacy owner using a telephone-message program that notified patients aged 60 and older that the herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for them. This message was sent out monthly for a total of 3 months. Patients who received this vaccine in the 3 months following the initial phone call were surveyed to determine their reason for receiving the vaccine, and to assess satisfaction with the phone call. The total number of herpes zoster immunizations given at the pharmacy during the study period was compared to the total given at the pharmacy during the same period of the previous year.

RESULTS: A total of 25 participants received the herpes zoster vaccine at the pharmacy during the study period, compared to 16 during the control period. Receiving the phone call was the most commonly cited reason for receiving the vaccine, followed by doctor recommendation. Of the 18 participants who received the call, 12 stated that they would be very likely to respond to similar phone calls in the future.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that using a targeted, automated phone call directed at eligible patients appears to have a positive effect on their willingness to receive the herpes zoster vaccine and may lead to an increase in vaccination numbers among eligible patients. Various factors must be considered before implementation of this service, including cost and added call volume.