European community pharmacists practice in tackling influenza

Abstract

Background

In many European countries, flu vaccination coverage rates are below the 75% target. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many pharmacists around Europe were involved as vaccine administrators and demonstrated positive results in improving vaccine uptake. This paper explores the challenges, accomplishments, and best practices of various European pharmacists' associations in administering vaccines and positively contributing to public health.

Methods

Eight pharmacists representing various associations from different countries across Europe (Italy, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, France, and Germany) convened to discuss their role as vaccination providers, the advantages, and strategies for improvement, and to identify barriers and gaps in the vaccination administration process, especially focusing on the administration of seasonal flu vaccines.

Results

Currently, 15 European countries allow community pharmacists to dispense and administer flu vaccines. Among the ones that attended the meeting, Portugal initiated the flu immunization program at the pharmacy earliest, before the COVID era, but in other countries, the process started only in the last couple of years. Initial hesitancy and reluctance by other HCPs or institutions were overcome as the pilot projects showed positive and cost-effective public health results. Today, pharmacists are considered crucial professional figures to provide immunization services against COVID-19, the flu, and other vaccine-preventable diseases, and pursue important public health goals.

Key takeaways to enhance the pharmacist's role in providing immunization services against vaccine-preventable diseases include improving interaction with policymakers and the public, generating real-world evidence highlighting public health benefits, and ensuring ongoing professional education and training for pharmacists.

Conclusion

Vaccinating pharmacists are gaining recognition of their role and the benefits derived from their broader involvement in the healthcare system, including immunization programs. Further efforts are needed in each country for an adequate recognition of the profession and a broader utilization of pharmacy services to exploit the benefit of immunization, especially against the flu.