Public Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Pharmacy-Based Immunization in Poland—A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, 2024

Abstract

Pharmacy vaccinations are a key public health intervention. This study aimed to assess society’s knowledge about pharmacy vaccinations in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2024 among 1126 adults; the survey questionnaire contained 13 closed questions. Men (OR: 1.32; [1.02–1.70]; p < 0.05), and people aged 50–64 (OR: 1.55; [1.05–2.28]; p < 0.05), people with higher education (OR:1.74; [1.35–2.26]; p < 0.001), and people declaring trust in the pharmacist’s competencies (OR:3.95; [3.03–5.15]; p < 0.001) more often declared knowledge of vaccinations in pharmacies. Support for these services was declared by men (OR:1.74; [1.28–2.36]; p < 0.001) and people with higher education (OR:1.39; [1.02–1.89]; p < 0.05) and participants declaring trust in the pharmacist’s competences (OR:20.30; [14.65–28.11]; p < 0.001). Trust in pharmacists was important. People declaring trust in pharmacists were much more willing to get vaccinated against influenza (40.2%) and zoster (38.0%) at a pharmacy and declared that they would vaccinate their children against HPV at a pharmacy (38.8%) compared to people who did not trust the competences of pharmacists (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the case of influenza. People who trusted pharmacists were five times more likely to declare their willingness to get vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.001).