The survey finds that hospitals are preparing for possible staffing shortages caused by the pandemic by identifying minimum staffing levels, differentiating between critical and non-essential services, and planning to reassign job responsibilities. In addition, the survey reveals that nearly all pharmacy departments surveyed are collaborating with local and state health departments to coordinate H1N1 response efforts in the community.

While pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccinations to adults, the survey also finds that most hospitals are not planning to utilize pharmacists for this service. "ASHP encourages hospitals and health systems to consider using pharmacists to administer vaccines in order to help increase vaccination rates," said Mahaney. "Especially in light of reports of cuts in public health budgets at the state and local level that may leave communities understaffed for these important efforts."

The survey also shows gaps in seasonal flu vaccination rates for health care workers, with only 37 percent of respondents reporting vaccination rates over 70 percent at their hospitals. "That's too low," said Mahaney, who cautioned this finding suggests there may be a similar gap in H1N1 vaccinations for health care workers.

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