Global overview of pharmacist and community pharmacy actions to address COVID-19: A scoping review

Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania

Background

This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration.

Material and Method

The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations.

Results

Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based vaccination availability.

Conclusion

Challenges include a lack of patient awareness and understanding of benefits, emphasizing the need for structured pharmacist-patient dialogues. Legal changes, a defined funding mechanism, and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation. The study provides valuable insights into patient perceptions, contributing to discussions on optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in Romania and beyond and recognizing pharmacies' potential in achieving broader vaccination goals.

Knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists on vaccination, barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services in Ethiopia

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists (CPs) on vaccination and assess the barriers and willingness to implement community pharmacy-based vaccination services (CPBVS) in Ethiopia. An online cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 CPs in Ethiopia, and questionnaires were distributed to CPs through the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association telegram group and e-mail invitations. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Most CPs (92%) had good knowledge of vaccination, and 43.5% strongly agreed that the population's immunization rates would rise if CPs were authorized to provide vaccinations. The overall mean attitude score (±SD) toward vaccination was 35.95 (±4.11) out of a total score of 45, with 187 (44.2%) scoring below the mean. The most common barriers were lack of authorization (94.1%), costs and time associated with professional development and training (71.4%), time requirements for professional development (70%), and insufficient staff or resources for implementation (70%). Two hundred thirty CPs (54.4%) expressed a willingness to implement CPBVS. Educational qualifications were significantly associated with knowledge of CPs regarding vaccination. Those with inadequate knowledge had about 2.5 times (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.31, p = .016) a poorer attitude toward vaccination services compared with those with adequate knowledge. Those study participants who had a good attitude toward vaccination services were nearly seven (AOR = 6.80, 95% CI: 4.36-10.59, p = .0001) times more willing to provide CPBVS when compared with their counterparts. Implementing CPBVS in Ethiopia requires overcoming barriers and providing professional development opportunities.