Community pharmacist–administered influenza immunization improves patient access to vaccination

Abstract

Our findings suggest that pharmacists provide a highly convenient and accessible option for seasonal flu vaccination that is viewed favourably by patients. Administration of the flu vaccine by pharmacists has the potential to positively affect public health by improving vaccination rates among high-risk patients, first-time or occasional vaccine recipients, and patients who may not otherwise have an opportunity to be vaccinated. It is hoped that expanding pharmacist vaccination services to include administration of other common vaccines would receive similar positive reception by patients and improve overall access to vaccination.