Student attitudes regarding timing of immunization training within the pharmacy curriculum: Optimizing immunization training in pharmacy schools in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: The pharmacist's role in vaccination efforts continues to increase; therefore, it is essential to ensure that pharmacy students receive effective training to be confident and competent administering immunizations. The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of immunization training timing on students' hands-on experience and perception during pharmacy school. METHODS: One hundred forty-five pharmacy schools were surveyed to determine details of their immunization training programs. A follow-up survey was sent to select schools to determine student comfort immunizing during introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) and paid employment in pharmacy settings. Quantitative data regarding the number of immunizations delivered during IPPEs and work was collected. Questions also assessed attitudes regarding timing of immunization training and missed opportunities to immunize. RESULTS: Results indicated students trained during their third professional year (PY3) were less comfortable giving immunizations during their IPPEs or work than those trained during the first professional year (PY1) or second professional year (PY2) (IPPE P < .01; work P < .01 PY1; P = .01 PY2). PY3s were more likely to prefer training earlier in the curriculum. PY2s and PY3s were more likely to believe the timing of their immunization training caused missed opportunities to deliver immunizations. The earlier the immunization training occurred in the curriculum, the more vaccinations the student administered. CONCLUSIONS: Providing immunization training programs to pharmacy students earlier in their curriculum provides students with superior experience and instills confidence.

COVID-19 vaccine status and hesitancy in pharmacy students.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research is to determine pharmacy students' immunization status and attitudes towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. It will help determine if education is needed to increase the vaccination rate and, if so, what areas to target. The study will also provide insight into vaccine hesitancy among pharmacy students. METHODS: In April 2021, a survey was sent to pharmacy students in professional years 1, 2, 3, and 4 at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Information gathered included if the student had received and completed the vaccine series, why the student was motivated to receive the vaccine, or why they were hesitant, along with work and experiential rotation information. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey was 63% (133 of 212). Eighty-six percent of the respondents were at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19. Four percent of respondents were not considering receiving the vaccine, 6% were, and another 4% were undecided. Unvaccinated students attributed their hesitancy mostly to being concerned about the vaccine's long-term effects (85%) followed by not wanting to miss an exam/class (23%). Vaccinated students were more likely to work at a site that administered the COVID-19 vaccine (81.6% vs. 50%, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination rates were not higher than voluntary influenza vaccination rates. This study indicates that despite pharmacy students being witness to the risks associated with the pathogen, additional education is needed, and health care providers are not immune to misinformation and hesitancy.

Carbonation dysgeusia associated with topiramate.

PURPOSE: A case of carbonation dysgeusia associated with the use of topiramate is reported in order to bring awareness to a lesser-known adverse effect of the medication so that providers may be able to more effectively counsel patients and provide potential solutions. SUMMARY: A 39-year-old Caucasian woman with longstanding epilepsy was initiated on topiramate therapy after experiencing a generalized seizure (she reported not taking any antiepileptic medication for years). Topiramate was started at a dosage of 25 mg by mouth twice daily and after 3 weeks titrated to a dosage of 100 mg by mouth twice daily for maintenance therapy. After initiation of topiramate therapy, the patient began to experience an immediate change in her carbonation perception when drinking carbonated beverages; all carbonated beverages, including seltzer and beer, tasted "flat." The patient remained on topiramate for the subsequent 12 months without her carbonation perception returning to normal but noted that drinking carbonated beverages through straws slightly mitigated the adverse effect. Case assessment using the adverse drug reaction probability scale of Naranjo et al indicated that topiramate was the probable cause of the patient's carbonation taste perversion. CONCLUSION: A 39-year-old Caucasian woman developed chronic carbonation dysgeusia after initiation of topiramate following a generalized seizure.

Could Blood Pressure Phobia Go Beyond the White Coat Effect?

BACKGROUND: While it is known that excessive anxiety surrounding the measuring of blood pressure may preclude an accurate measurement, it is not known whether it could also lead to phobic avoidance behavior. METHODS: Self-reported information was collected on 125 individuals who made postings on 5 internet-based medical forums. RESULTS: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that these individuals reported experiencing intense fear associated with the measuring of blood pressure, that was excessive or irrational and which contributed to avoidance of medical treatment and interference with life decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary observations, we are speculating that these symptoms could be considered consistent with a diagnosis of a Specific Phobia. Investigations using quantitative methods, representative samples, and standardized clinical instruments need to be conducted before definitive conclusions can be reached.