Assessment of community pharmacists' engagement in pharmacy-delivered influenza vaccination: a mixed-methods study

This study aimed to identify factors contributing to pharmacists' engagement in vaccination services during the first influenza vaccination campaign in 2019-2020 for the Canadian province of Quebec, led by community pharmacists.

A mixed-methods study was conducted using a sequential exploratory design. Semi-structured interviews were administered to pharmacists and key informants (n = 23) and data were analysed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research in community pharmacy. The findings were then used to construct a survey of community pharmacists' engagement in vaccination, which was tested in a Quebec urban community. The study participation rate was 34.6% (n = 29).

Pharmacists expressed positive attitudes towards the implementation of vaccination services, following legislative reform. Factors such as previous involvement in vaccination campaigns and the number of pharmacists on duty were positively associated with engagement in influenza vaccination, whereas staff shortages and logistical problems were a barrier to engagement. Qualitative findings provided in-depth understanding of the value of interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and nurses.

Vaccination in pharmacies is currently more reflective of individual choice than an indication of collective change in the profession. Logistical factors are key to enhancing the uptake of vaccination in community pharmacies throughout Quebec. External support from professional associations and interprofessional collaboration should be enhanced to promote the implementation of vaccination services in pharmacies.