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Houle SKD, Waite NM, Vernon-Wilson E, Dolovich L, Yang M. Uptake and outcomes of VaxCheck, an adult life-course vaccination service: A study among community pharmacists. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00737-0. [PMID: 38955590 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination rates among Canadian adults remain suboptimal. Community pharmacists have increasingly adopted an active role in vaccination and are trusted by the public to provide vaccination-related advice and care. The aim of this prospective descriptive study was to develop and test a novel clinical service, VaxCheck, to support proactive life-course vaccination assessments by community pharmacists. From October 2022-May 2023, 123 VaxCheck consultations were performed at 9 community pharmacies within the Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners banner in Ontario, Canada. Patient age averaged 60 years and 35.8 % had at least one chronic disease risk factor, 17.7 % had lifestyle-related risk factor(s), and 15.4 % were immunocompromised. 95.1 % of VaxCheck consultations resulted in at least one vaccine recommendation, averaging three vaccines per patient. Most frequently recommended vaccines were those against pneumococcal disease, tetanus/diphtheria, herpes zoster, COVID-19, and influenza, with acceptance rates highest for those available without a prescription and at no charge at the pharmacy. Patient feedback was positive with 85 % of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that they would recommend the service to others. Vaccine administration at the time of the consultation occurred with only 5.9 % of recommended vaccines, frequently impacted by limitations to scope of practice related to pharmacist ability to prescribe and/or administer the vaccine and lack of pharmacy access to publicly funded vaccine supply for those meeting eligibility criteria. Community pharmacists performing a VaxCheck consultation can proactively identify indicated vaccines for patients. Expansion in scope of practice and access to publicly funded vaccine is recommended to further support vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherilyn K D Houle
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Nancy M Waite
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Vernon-Wilson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Molly Yang
- Wholehealth Pharmacy Partners, 18-85 Citizen Court, Markham, ON L6G 1A8, Canada
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Houle SKD, Andrew MK. RSV vaccination in older adults: Addressing vaccine hesitancy using the 3C model. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024; 157:39-44. [PMID: 38125630 PMCID: PMC10729719 DOI: 10.1177/17151635231210879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The first vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) targeting older adults was approved for use in Canada in August 2023. As a frequent first point of contact for Canadians seeking advice on vaccination and the most common setting for the administration of influenza vaccines, community pharmacies will also play a role in RSV vaccination efforts. To address vaccine hesitancy confidently and effectively, pharmacists must be equipped with knowledge of the factors that affect a person's decision on whether to be vaccinated or not. The 3C Model of Vaccine Hesitancy summarizes these as complacency, confidence and convenience. This article introduces the model and describes the often-underrecognized relevance of RSV to older adults, including risk factors and burden of disease. It also reviews the history and status of vaccine development and approval and presents clinical trial data to equip pharmacists to discuss RSV vaccination with older adults who express vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa K. Andrew
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Walliar T, Khan B, Newstead S, Al-Assadi G, Salter SM, Seubert L, Carlson SJ, Attwell K. "Fighting the pandemic!" Western Australian pharmacists' perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines: A qualitative study. Vaccine 2023; 41:7234-7243. [PMID: 37891049 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Western Australia, community pharmacists are authorized to administer a range of vaccines without a prescription. Since mid-July 2021, pharmacists can also administer Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Little is known about how pharmacists think and feel about giving and receiving COVID-19 vaccines and how they discuss it with patients. AIM This study aimed to explore Western Australian pharmacists' perceptions on being vaccinated with, administering, and communicating about COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS Semi structured interviews were conducted with 20 pharmacists from metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia across a two-week period in July and early August 2021. Interview transcripts were coded using NVivo 20 and data was thematically analyzed using the framework method. RESULTS Most pharmacists (n = 16, 80 %) had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Some expressed difficulty accessing the vaccine while two unvaccinated pharmacists were hesitant to receive it due to concerns about vaccine development. The majority of pharmacists spoke positively about administering the vaccines, discussing perceived facilitators such as designated vaccination days but also perceived barriers such as inadequate financial reimbursement compared to other healthcare providers. Many pharmacists obtained their information from Australian government sources and training modules. Pharmacists were only passively promoting COVID-19 vaccines, with conversations mostly initiated by patients. Most pharmacists specified they would highlight the common side effects when administering the vaccine and would provide patients with written information. CONCLUSION The majority of pharmacists were willing to administer and be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. Since pharmacists play an important role in increasing vaccine uptake, governments should provide equitable reimbursement to pharmacists in line with other vaccinators such as General Practitioners. We welcome the recent resources produced by governments and pharmacy professional organizations to help pharmacists actively promote the vaccines since this work was undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taaiba Walliar
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Basil Khan
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie Newstead
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ghoufran Al-Assadi
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra M Salter
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Liza Seubert
- Pharmacy Discipline, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Samantha J Carlson
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katie Attwell
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; School of Social Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Langer R, Thanner M. Pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination: does the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference? EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 9:100235. [PMID: 36816546 PMCID: PMC9925413 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza vaccine uptake in most European countries remains low, despite the World Health Organization's target of 75%. Community pharmacists play a vital role in promoting vaccination; however, they have been reported to be vaccine-hesitant. This study aimed to investigate changes in pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Methods In December 2020, all members of the Swiss Association of Pharmacists were invited to participate in an online, cross-sectional survey. This study assessed pharmacists' attitudes toward influenza vaccination by surveying influenza vaccine uptake during the 2019-20 influenza season and possible reasons for their decision(s), in addition to their intention to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination(s) during the 2020-21 influenza season. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess predictors of vaccine uptake and intention. Results Of 5900 Swiss pharmacists, 569 (9.6%) completed the survey. The self-reported influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists during the 2019-20 season was 48.0%. The primary reason for vaccine uptake was the belief that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated, whereas the main reason for refusal was a lack of concern about contracting influenza. The proportions of participants who intend to accept influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2020-2021 season, when available, were 63.3% and 66.5%, respectively. The most important predictor of high willingness to be vaccinated against influenza in 2020-21 was vaccination history (OR = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.47-9.50), while the most critical predictor of willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was the intention to be vaccinated against influenza (OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.74-6.84). Conclusions Findings indicated that although pharmacists' readiness to accept seasonal influenza vaccination significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine uptake among them remains suboptimal. This is consistent with what has been reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Langer
- Department of Medical Sciences, Private University in the Principality of Liechtenstein (UFL), Triesen, Principality of Liechtenstein,Corresponding author.
| | - Mirjam Thanner
- Frauenklinik, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Krmova S, Kapedanovska Nestorovska A, Simonoska Crcarevska M, Grozdanova A, Naumovska Z. Pharmacists` vaccine basic knowledge and attitudes in the RN Macedonia. MAKEDONSKO FARMACEVTSKI BILTEN 2022. [DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2022.68.03.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maja Simonoska Crcarevska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, Mother Theresa 47, 1000 Skopje, Republic of N. Macedonia
| | - Aleksandra Grozdanova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, Mother Theresa 47, 1000 Skopje, Republic of N. Macedonia
| | - Zorica Naumovska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, Mother Theresa 47, 1000 Skopje, Republic of N. Macedonia
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Liu B, Liu H, Han B, Zhao T, Sun T, Tan X, Cui F. Trends and Factors Associated With Risk Perception, Anxiety, and Behavior From the Early Outbreak Period to the Controlled Period of COVID-19 Epidemic: Four Cross-Sectional Online Surveys in China in 2020. Front Public Health 2022; 9:768867. [PMID: 35118042 PMCID: PMC8805284 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.768867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in China was brought under with 3 months-from mid-January 2020 to the end of March 2020. Less studies examined dynamic psychological effect and behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine perceived risk, anxiety, and behavioral response of the general public related to the outbreak of COVID-19 in four cross-sectional surveys conducted throughout China. Methods: In 2020, four cross-sectional, population-based online survey were conducted from January 28 to February 3, from February 10 to 12, from February 20 to 22, and from March 1 to 10, respectively. Convenience sampling was used for easy recruiting survey participants under the long-term impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The four independent online questionnaires were sent from the same approach (WeChat and MicroBlog), and anyone who receives the questionnaire on the Internet or mobile phone and meets the inclusion criteria could fill in it. The same questionnaires repeatedly used in the four surveys. Socio-demographic information and individual protective practice were collected and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) was used for measuring anxiety. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics among the four surveys. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare people's perceived risk, anxiety and protective behaviors changes in four stages. General linear model was used to identify associations between some demographic factors and perceived risk, anxiety scores, and protective behaviors. Results: The proportion of high perceived risk has dropped from 24.7 to 4.7%. The proportion of severe anxiety has declined from 12.2 to 1.2%. The proportion of people wore masks when they went out has increased from 97.0 to 98.3%. Women were more likely to develop anxiety (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.4-1.6) and more positively adopted recommended behaviors (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.3-3.4) than men. People at age 30-39 years, with high-degree education, with married status, and accompanied with poor self-rated health status were prone to have higher risk perception and anxiety. Perceived risk was significantly associated with anxiety over the entire periods. Anxiety levels had stronger associations with adoption of protective behaviors (wearing mask and avoiding crowed place) in the early epidemic periods than in the late epidemic periods. Conclusions: The levels of perceived risk and anxiety showed a trend of rising first and then falling. Gradually upward trend on initiative preventive behaviors including wearing mask and avoiding visiting crowded places also was observed through scanning data at four stages. People at age 30-39 years, with high-degree education, and accompanied with poor self-rated health status were prone to have higher risk perception and anxiety. Our findings showed that people simultaneously presented both high-level risk perception and anxiety across the four wave surveys, leading to their positive self-prevention and protective behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanyu Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingfeng Han
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianshuo Zhao
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Tan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuqiang Cui
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology & Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Cassidy C, Langley J, Steenbeek A, Taylor B, Kennie-Kaulbach N, Grantmyre H, Stratton L, Isenor J. A Behavioral analysis of nurses' and pharmacists' role in addressing vaccine hesitancy: scoping review. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:4487-4504. [PMID: 34406908 PMCID: PMC8828075 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1954444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to identify, characterize, and map the existing knowledge on a) nurses' and pharmacists' perceived barriers and enablers to addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients; and b) strategies or interventions for nurses and pharmacists to address vaccine hesitancy in their practice. Our comprehensive search strategy targeted peer-reviewed and grey literature. Two independent reviewers screened papers and extracted data. We coded narrative descriptions of barriers and enablers and interventions using the Behavior Change Wheel. Sixty-six records were included in our review. Reported barriers (n = 9) and facilitators (n = 6) were identified in the capability, opportunity and motivation components. The majority of the reported interventions were categorized as education (n = 47) and training (n = 26). This current scoping review offers a detailed behavioral analysis of known barriers and enablers for nurses and pharmacists to address vaccine hesitancy and interventions mapped onto these behavioral determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Cassidy
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Children's Health Program, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | - Jodi Langley
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Beth Taylor
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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