Top Nine Steps to Starting an Immunization Program in your Independent Pharmacy

Here at PDS, we take pride in highlighting some of our incredible exhibitors. We know these companies have the potential to revolutionize pharmacies just like yours through their products and services. We’re excited to introduce RJ Hedges, a company that provides HHS & Medicare turnkey healthcare compliance programs for independent pharmacy owners. Read on for their sponsored blog post about how to develop an immunization compliance program for your business.

Developing a new niche for your business, such as an immunization program, is a great way to generate more traffic and increase OTC, retail, and prescription sales. Getting started may seem daunting and we want to show you that it’s easier than you think.

It’s time to get an Immunization Compliance program IF:

A physician does not sign your Standing Orders and Emergency Protocols
You and your pharmacy are not protected with all licensure, insurance, and compliance requirements
You need to provide a policy and procedure manual to your insurance company in case of an adverse reaction

We are here to guide you with the top nine steps to starting a vaccine program in your independent pharmacy.

Step 1: Check with your State Pharmacy Board

Every state has its own regulations. Your State Pharmacy Board sets standards and regulations for pharmacies to follow for immunizations. Contact your Board, or review their webpage, for your state-specific regulations, and to see what types of immunizations your pharmacy may be limited to.

Step 2: Sign Up for Immunization Training

Usually, to get your pharmacy immunization license, you, or the pharmacist who will be giving the immunizations, will need to attend an immunization course. These are typically provided by a local university’s School of Pharmacy, or in some cases, by your State Pharmacy Association. Once you’ve completed your immunization training, you’ll need CPR training and a CPR card, which you can obtain through the American Red Cross.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to Your State Board

After you or your pharmacist-in-charge has completed all the necessary training, fill out your application, and submit it to your State Board. Once they process the application, they will grant you an immunization license, and you are now ready to start moving forward with immunizations.

The immunization license approval process can range from three weeks to three+ months, depending on your state.

Note: All pharmacists must be licensed to give immunizations.

Step 4: Apply to Get a Medicare Part B Number as a Mass Immunizer

You can quickly expand your audience and get more traffic into your pharmacy by having a Medicare Part B number. Currently, in 2019, the fee is $586 to apply. This application gets processed relatively quickly, usually within a month.

Step 5: Get Your Immunization Documentation in Order

As “Compliance Experts,” we believe firmly in keeping your pharmacy in compliance to ensure the safety of your patients and to safeguard your license. Check with your State Pharmacy Board for their regulations or sign up for our Pharmacy Immunization Compliance Program.

Specific policies and procedures are not required by law but are highly recommended. Having an immunization compliance program in place will help you “dot your i’s and cross your t’s” when it comes to adding a new service to your business. Plus, having a compliance program significantly helps with accomplishing the next step, which IS REQUIRED by every state.

Step 6: Get Your Standing Orders Signed by a Physician

Talk to a physician and ask if they will sign your standing order. In most cases, if you have a good relationship with the physician, they will sign it. If you have an immunization compliance program, physicians are more likely to support your business and sign the order. Additionally, there are other entities, like some wholesalers, that have a physician on staff who will sign all of their members’ standing orders. Every standing order that you have needs a physician’s signature. We recommend that the physician signs the standing orders every year.

Note: If the patient has a prescription for the vaccine, standing orders are not required.

For the last three steps, be sure to visit https://www.rjhedges.com to download our full eBook.