Perspectives and Experiences of Community Pharmacists on Vaccine and Cold Chain: A Qualitative Study

Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, and maintaining the vaccine cold chain within a temperature range of 2-8 °C is essential to preserve vaccine efficacy and prevent wastage. Community pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in vaccine supply, storage, and public education. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess vaccination and cold-chain practices in community pharmacies within Türkiye's primary healthcare system.

A qualitative study was conducted with 15 community pharmacists in Ankara, Türkiye, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews carried out between September 15 and 30, 2024. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling until thematic saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's seven-phase thematic analysis. Data management was performed using ATLAS.ti version 24.0, and reporting adhered to the COREQ checklist.

Three main themes emerged: vaccination practices, vaccine logistics and cold-chain management, and vaccine hesitancy. Pharmacists reported frequent patient inquiries, particularly regarding influenza, human papillomavirus, and childhood vaccines. Participants demonstrated a high level of awareness of cold-chain protocols, including the use of dedicated refrigerators and continuous temperature monitoring systems. Vaccine hesitancy, especially toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccines, was primarily attributed to misinformation, with pharmacists emphasizing the importance of evidence-based and empathetic communication.

Community pharmacists possess substantial technical knowledge in vaccine logistics and play a critical role in patient counseling. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, professional training, and communication skills may further enhance pharmacists' contributions to immunization efforts and vaccine confidence.