Impact of pharmacists as immunizers on influenza vaccination coverage in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Immunization coverage in Canada has continued to fall below national goals. The addition of pharmacists as immunizers may increase immunization coverage. This study aimed to compare estimated influenza vaccine coverage before and after pharmacists began administering publicly funded influenza immunizations in Nova Scotia, Canada. Vaccination coverage rates and recipient demographics for the influenza vaccination seasons 2010-2011 to 2012-2013 were compared with the 2013-2014 season, the first year pharmacists provided immunizations. In 2013-2014, the vaccination coverage rate for those 5 years of age increased 6%, from 36% in 2012-2013 to 42% (p<0.001). Pharmacists administered over 78,000 influenza vaccinations, nearly 9% of the province's population over the age of five. Influenza vaccine coverage rates for those 65 increased by 9.8% (p<0.001) in 2013-2014 compared to 2012-2013. Influenza vaccination coverage in Nova Scotia increased in 2013-2014 compared to previous years with a universal influenza program. Various factors may have contributed to the increased coverage, including the addition of pharmacists as immunizers and media coverage of influenza related fatalities. Future research will be necessary to fully determine the impact of pharmacists as immunizers.

Routine immunization of adults by pharmacists: Attitudes and beliefs of the Canadian public and health care providers

“…[13][14][15][16][17] Early studies in Canada have shown the addition of pharmacists as immunizers of influenza vaccine to be successful. 24,25 Many provinces are allowing the administration of additional vaccines by pharmacists; however, the uptake is not well known at this time, as many vaccines are purchased privately and are not provided through public health.…”

“…[20][21][22] Barriers to achieving high vaccination rates in adults are multifactorial, including lack of education about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases, infrastructural issues including access to vaccines and HCPs, financial concerns, and the attitudes of patients and providers toward vaccinations. 25 Interventions that enhance access to vaccinations can improve vaccine coverage. 23 The addition of pharmacists as immunization providers is one way to expand access and subsequently improve vaccination coverage.…”

Impact of pharmacists as immunizers on influenza vaccination coverage in the community-setting in Nova Scotia, Canada: 2013-2015

“…In 2013-2014, pharmacists in NS were able to provide influenza vaccines as part of the publicly funded universal vaccination program, which had been implemented in 2010 [ 11 ]. Although data from the United States, where pharmacists have been providing immunization services since 1995, demonstrate increased uptake of influenza immunization with the addition of pharmacist immunizers, little is known about the impact of pharmacist immunizers in Canada [ 12 – 15 ]. In British Columbia, pharmacy vaccination clinics were introduced and immunization rates in older people increased [ 13 ].…”

Disparities in parental awareness of children’s seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations and influencers of vaccination

“…[35,36] In contrast, pharmacists in several countries including Argentina, the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Portugal, New Zealand and the USA (United States of America) have been administering the influenza vaccine for almost a decade. [37][38][39] With Canada, Argentina, the UK and several states in the USA also endorsing pharmacist administration to young children, with deviation in the minimum age requirement across countries. [37][38][39] In order to improve access, alternative delivery sites should be given consideration.…”

“…[37][38][39] With Canada, Argentina, the UK and several states in the USA also endorsing pharmacist administration to young children, with deviation in the minimum age requirement across countries. [37][38][39] In order to improve access, alternative delivery sites should be given consideration. Although generally Australian children do not start schooling until 5 years of age, one delivery option could be school-based influenza vaccination programs, such as those implemented in the UK and the USA [40,41], delivery in childcare or pre-school programs or broader access through community clinics at extended times which would improve access overall, particularly during the peak influenza vaccination season.…”