Pharmacy-based immunization: a systematic review

Front Public Health. 2023 Apr 13:11:1152556. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1152556. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has prompted the exploration of new response strategies for such health contingencies in the near future. Over the last 15 years, several pharmacy-based immunization (PBI) strategies have emerged seeking to exploit the potential of pharmacies as immunization, medication sale, and rapid test centers. However, the participation of pharmacies during the last pandemic was very uneven from one country to another, suggesting a lack of consensus on the definition of their roles and gaps between the literature and practice.

Purpose: This study aimed to consolidate the current state of the literature on PBI, document its progress over time, and identify the gaps not yet addressed. Moreover, this study seeks to (i) provide new researchers with an overview of the studies on PBI and (ii) to inform both public health and private organization managers on the range of possible immunization models and strategies.

Methodology: A systematic review of scientific qualitative and quantitative studies on the most important scientific databases was conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyzes guidelines were followed. Finally, this study discusses the trends, challenges, and limitations on the existing literature on PBI.

Findings: Must studies concluded that PBI is a beneficial strategy for the population, particularly in terms of accessibility and territorial equity. However, the effectiveness of PBI is affected by the economic, political, and/or social context of the region. The collaboration between the public (government and health departments) and private (various pharmacy chains) sectors contributes to PBI's success.

Originality: Unlike previous literature reviews on PBI that compiled qualitative and statistical studies, this study reviewed studies proposing mathematical optimization methods to approach PBI.

Keywords: health system; humanitarian logistics; humanitarian supply chain management; immunization; pharmacy-based immunization; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Pharmacies*
  • Pharmacy*
  • Vaccination

Grants and funding

This research has been partially supported by the Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), by Tecnologico de Monterrey, by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Discovery Grants Program, Grant 2020-07055, and by the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie du Québec, Working group Québec-Jalisco. This work was supported by Tecnologico de Monterrey, CONACYT, Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF) du Québec, Groupe de travail Québec-Jalisco (GTQJ) and COECYTJAL Grupo de trabajo Québec-Jalisco. MR-M, JM-V, and AR certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.