Community needs and preferences for community pharmacy immunization services

This study explored the Saudi community's needs and preferences related to community immunization services. Community member's expectations about the services were assessed, and their concerns, attitudes, and beliefs around the pharmacist's role in providing immunization were examined.

Qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample that comprised Saudi community members who visited Saudi community pharmacies. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then translated. Data obtained were then thematically organized and analyzed using NVivo (QSR International) Software.

A total of 20 interviews were conducted for this study. Seven themes emerged from the interviews and were grouped into three major categories relating to the community pharmacy immunization service: (1) community needs for the service; (2) community expectations of the service; and (3) community concerns, and beliefs around the service. Participants expressed their need for such services and acceptance of immunization performed by community pharmacists, with the expectation that it would improve their immunization uptake and community health in general. However, some participants expressed concerns about community pharmacists current level of ability and skill in providing immunization, the lack of a private area for conducting the service, the lack of female community pharmacists, and the cost of the immunization service. Some participants advocated for supervision of such services by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Saudization of community pharmacy staff.

The research results clearly demonstrated the Saudi community's need for community pharmacy immunization services, described their expectations, and highlighted their concerns relating to community pharmacy infrastructure and an appropriate level of training for community pharmacist-administered immunization.