AN EVALUATION of the uptake of Western Australian pharmacist vaccination services has shown vaccine delivery was safe, with convenience and accessibility identified as important aspects in usage of services, according to a study published in the BMJ.
The research out of Curtin University and the University of Western Australia in Perth, also investigated the profiles of consumers being vaccinated and the facilitators and challenges experienced by pharmacy staff in the preparation, implementation and delivery of services.
Immuniser pharmacists from 86 pharmacies completed baseline surveys and 78 completed exit surveys while computer records from 57 pharmacies were scanned and 25 immuniser pharmacists were interviewed.
15,621 influenza vaccinations were administered by immuniser pharmacists at 76 WA community pharmacies between Mar and Oct 2015 with no major adverse events, and less than 1% of consumers experiencing minor events which were appropriately managed, the study's authors reported.
Between 12% and 17% of consumers were eligible to receive free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program but chose to have it at a pharmacy.
Significantly a high percentage of vaccinations was delivered in rural and regional areas indicating that provision of pharmacist vaccination services facilitated access for rural and remote consumers.
Pharmacist themselves reported they felt confident providing the service and considered it gave them "significant professional satisfaction".
The authors concluded, "There is scope to expand pharmacist vaccination services to other vaccines and younger children; however, government funding to pharmacists needs to be considered."
CLICK HERE to access the study.
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