Implementation of flu vaccination in community pharmacies: Understanding the barriers and enablers

Improving influenza vaccination coverage has been, and still remains a challenge internationally. There are now many examples where countries have pursued a pharmacist-led influenza vaccination service in order to enhance vaccination coverage of at-risk populations. England, Portugal and the United States are successful examples where their experience implementing this service can now be explored retrospectively and learnt from. This review aims to provide evidence to help overcome barriers to commissioning and implementation of such services in countries new to the experience. Implementation is influenced by differing regulatory frameworks underpinning the provision of pharmacist-led influenza vaccination, methods of remuneration, training, and operating procedures. Practical aspects such as the facilities required, how patient records are maintained and how patients and other healthcare professionals are engaged also have an impact. These examples illustrate how community pharmacists can be trained to deliver influenza vaccinations safely, and coupled with their accessibility and convenience, can provide a complementary service to that already provided by family doctors and nurses to deliver influenza vaccinations for the benefit of patients.