NACDS rolls out initiative to improve immunization rates

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is launching three demonstration projects that aim to foster health care collaboration and increase pharmacy-based immunizations.

The goals of the project are for chosen healthcare entities to work together to develop and implement a value-based payment model that is scalable and replicable, and that results in improved immunization rates for a targeted population that are recorded in the appropriate state-based registry.

The models also will feature innovative methods for sharing immunization information among the participating health plans or systems, accountable care organizations, community pharmacies and patients. The awardees also will collaborate with public health agencies to improve pandemic vaccine preparedness.

“Legislators and regulators at the federal and state levels often reference pharmacists’ success in promoting the necessity of vaccines, and in increasing access to them,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “These demonstration projects seek to improve patient health by aligning the interests of healthcare partners which should increase immunizations and improve the healthcare outcomes of patients across the country.”

NACDS released a request for proposals in February 2016 seeking proposals that align interests across healthcare stakeholders to drive immunization rates. NACDS received more than 20 proposals and convened an independent review committee comprised of experts in the fields of public health, pharmacy operations, and healthcare quality.

To develop the demonstration projects: (1) The University of Pittsburgh will partner with Giant Eagle and the University of Pittsburgh Health Plan;  (2) the University of Nebraska Medical Center will partner with Hy-Vee, the Nebraska Health Network and the University of Iowa Health Alliance;  and (3) the University of Washington will partner with Bartell and QFC and the Washington State Health Care Authority to develop the demonstration projects.

The demonstration projects aim to fulfill the goals of an $800,000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant to NACDS, which examines innovative healthcare collaborations designed to demonstrate increased rates of pharmacy-based immunizations including influenza, pneumococcal, pertussis and herpes zoster. The grant also focuses on improving pandemic planning among pharmacies and state health departments, in addition to improving access to HPV vaccine resources and education for pharmacists.