Patient Perceptions on Receiving Vaccination Services through Community Pharmacies

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 22;19(5):2538. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19052538.

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Pharmacists are medical professionals who play an active role in the protection of public health. Since 2021, pharmacists with an appropriate certification have been authorised to administer vaccines against COVID-19. (2) Objective: The objective of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of patients about receiving vaccinations through community pharmacies. (3) Material and methods: This study was conducted in 2021. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire published on the websites of patient organisations. Ultimately, 1062 patients participated in this study. (4) Results: This study shows that most of the respondents find community pharmacies more accessible than outpatient clinics (85.3%). Sixty-one percent of the respondents stated that getting vaccinated at pharmacies would be less time consuming than at outpatient clinics. Nearly every third respondent (29.5%) declared that they would get vaccinated if they received such a recommendation from a pharmacist. Fifty-six percent of the respondents were of the opinion that the administration of vaccines by pharmacists would relieve the burden on medical staff and the healthcare system. (5) Conclusions: Polish patients participating in the study have a positive attitude towards the implementation of vaccination services in community pharmacies as an effective way of combating infectious diseases.

Keywords: COVID-19; community pharmacy; patient; pharmacist; vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Community Pharmacy Services*
  • Humans
  • Pharmacies*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines