Impact of pharmacy intervention on influenza vaccination acceptance: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Vaccination plays an important role in the prevention of influenza. Channels that improve vaccination adherence can play a vital part in improving patient care. This study seeks to inform the design and implementation of pharmacy interventions at scale on improving influenza vaccination rates. Aim of the review The aim of this study was to identify key success factors for effective pharmacy intervention design and implementation to improve vaccination acceptance rates in influenza. Methods A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed to find literature on influenza vaccinations delivered at pharmacies, pharmacist-delivered influenza vaccinations, or influenza vaccination campaigns originating in the pharmacy setting. A meta-analysis using a random effects model estimated the impact of pharmacy intervention on vaccination rates (assessed as relative risk [RR] and 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]). Results A total of 1221 studies were found that met the search criteria, of which 12 were selected for the literature review following eligibility screening. A meta-analysis of studies that contained binary total population and vaccination rate data was conducted on 6 studies, including 3182 participants, the vaccination rate was 24% higher in those who used the pharmacy-based intervention compared with those who used standard care [RR (95% CI) 1.24 (1.05, 1.47)]. Two separate sensitivity analyses were run for the vaccination rate. In participants aged ≥ 65 years, the vaccination rate was 3% higher in those who received the pharmacy-based intervention compared with those who received standard care; however, this change was not significant [RR (95% CI) 1.03 (0.86, 1.24)]. Additionally, a qualitative review showed that more successful pharmacy-based interventions were those with the more active involvement of pharmacists in routine care. This included regular checkup of vaccine status, proactive conversations and recommendations about vaccination, and pharmacy-based immunization programs, with specific vaccination days. In-pharmacy communication rather than passive information, such as through leaflets and posters was also more effective. Conclusion Pharmacists can play a significant role to improve patient treatment, adherence, and outcomes associated with influenza vaccines. Once pharmacy-based immunization is established, proactive involvement of is key to ensure successful program implementation and results. Expanding access for pharmacists and pharmacy intervention to provide vaccinations may increase vaccination acceptance and could be a valuable intervention in patient care. Additional studies should consider high-risk populations to inform optimal design and implementation strategies.

Impact of a pharmaceutical intervention on influenza vaccination in patients receiving treatment with biological medicines

“…Health education offered by the hospital pharmacy departments, which focuses on the pharmacist as part of the healthcare team, is a promising tool for ensuring an increase in overall vaccination rates. The intervention led to a significant increase in the vaccination rate and chimes with results described in literature 9 10…”

Patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccines in Poland: a survey study in the vaccination centres context

“…For example, the willingness of receiving the next vaccination from a pharmacist was indicated mainly by women, people with higher education and married respondents. Large-scale studies on this type of dependency may serve for targeting health promotion actions performed by pharmacists at specific groups of recipients in order to achieve the largest effectiveness possible [15].…”

The Health Professional’s View on the Inclusion of Age in the Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccination: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey in France

“…Pharmacists are already in the front line for advising patients about vaccination, notably with respect to the older age group which has a relatively high frequentation of pharmacies. Involving pharmacists has been shown to increase vaccination coverage in a number of diseases, including influenza or pneumococcal infections, in several other countries [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. For these reasons, public health policies in France are encouraging involvement of nurses and pharmacists in vaccination programmes.…”