Effectiveness and Challenges of Protocol-Based Pharmacotherapy Management for Postpartum Rubella Vaccination During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Rubella vaccination is recommended postpartum for women with low rubella antibody titers to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. At our hospital, we have introduced protocol-based pharmacotherapy management (PBPM) for postpartum rubella vaccination, with pharmacists actively involved. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of postpartum rubella vaccination and assess the effectiveness of PBPM during the pandemic. Data from before (fiscal year 2019) and after (fiscal years 2020 – 2023) the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. The study population consisted of postpartum women with low rubella antibody titers who gave birth at our hospital between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2024. The results showed that the pharmacist vaccination recommendation rates declined in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 but recovered in fiscal year 2023 due to improved ward pharmacist staffing. Conversely, the overall vaccination rate showed a declining trend annually since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have impacted pharmacist recommendation and overall vaccination rates. However, because all vaccinated postpartum women received pharmacist recommendations and all ineligible individuals were appropriately excluded, PBPM is considered to have provided a certain level of utility during the pandemic by contributing to safety and providing vaccination opportunities. In conclusion, given the observed decline in the overall vaccination rate, it is necessary to continue awareness activities and vaccination recommendations while considering a review of PBPM operations.