Rural community pharmacists’ ability and interest in administering COVID-19 vaccines in the Southern United States

Abstract

Background Community pharmacists are often the most accessible health professional in rural areas, which makes them well-positioned to increase vaccine access in their communities. This study sought to document rural pharmacists’ ability to and interest in administering COVID-19 vaccinations. Methods A sample of community pharmacists participating in a rural community pharmacy practice-based research network in the United States completed an online survey that assessed: (a) demographic characteristics; (b) previous COVID-19 vaccine training; and (c) ability to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Data were collected between late December 2020 and mid-February 2021. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated. Results Sixty-nine of 106 pharmacists completed the survey (response rate=65%). Approximately half of pharmacists were ready (52%) or actively taking steps (39%) to provide COVID-19 vaccines in the next six months. Pharmacies had a median of two staff members who were authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Almost half (46%) estimated they could administer more than 30 vaccinations per day. Most pharmacies could store vaccines at standard refrigeration (90%) and freezing (83%) levels needed for thawed and pre-mixed vaccines, respectively. Most pharmacists planned to access COVID-19 vaccines through an agreement with a state or local public health entity (48%) or by ordering through group purchasing organizations (46%). Only 23% of pharmacists had received any COVID-19 vaccine training and only 48% very much wanted to get the vaccine themselves. Several variables, including pharmacy type and pharmacists’ vaccine attitudes and previous COVID-19 training, were significantly associated with the anticipated number of COVID-19 vaccines pharmacies could administer daily. Conclusion Even early in the nation’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, most rural pharmacies were interested in and preparing to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Few rural pharmacists had received COVID-19 training and many expressed some hesitancy to receive the vaccine themselves. The number of vaccines pharmacists could administer varied with pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics.

Where are children ages 5–17 years receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations? Variations over time and by sociodemographic characteristics, United States

“… [29] Additionally, fewer rural pharmacists received COVID-19 vaccination training according to one study. [30] Differences in place of receipt of vaccination by sociodemographic factors underscore the need to make vaccine available at a variety of locations to ensure equitable access to vaccination.…”

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and hesitancy in health and care workers and the general population: a systematic review and policy recommendations

“…In a cross-sectional survey, few rural pharmacists had received COVID-19 training, and many expressed some hesitancy to receive the vaccine themselves. The number of vaccines that pharmacists could administer varied according to the pharmacy´s and pharmacist´s characteristics (22).…”

COVID-19 booster vaccination in rural community pharmacies

“…[6] Additionally, when vaccines first became available to high risk populations (December 2020- February 2021), survey research with rural Southeastern community pharmacies found that the majority would be ready to provide COVID-19 vaccines by that summer. [7] Community pharmacies can be important access points for the booster dose as well. However, pharmacy administration of COVID-19 booster doses in rural areas has not been explored.…”

“…Previous research found significant associations between community pharmacists’ influenza vaccination status and recommending the vaccine, where pharmacists who had been vaccinated themselves were more likely to recommend the flu vaccine to their patients. [10] , [11] , [12] In a survey of rural pharmacists, Carpenter et al reported that 91% of respondents were ready or actively planning to provide the COVID-19 vaccination series, [7] but their attitudes and plans regarding the booster dose are unknown.…”