Challenges and opportunities to provide immunization services: Analysis of data from a cross-sectional study on a sample of pharmacists in a developing country.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Vaccine-preventable illnesses continue to be a global health concern as immunization coverage remains below its targets. National plans emphasize on the essential role of multidisciplinary efforts and approaches to vaccination programs. Pharmacists are globally getting involved in immunization services as important members of the healthcare team. This study aimed to determine barriers, and assess challenges and possible opportunities to provide immunization in the Lebanese pharmacy practice.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that included pharmacists from all over Lebanon, as part of a national research to assess the role of pharmacists as immunizers. All registered pharmacists in Lebanon practicing in community, hospital, or other clinical settings were considered eligible for participation. A web-based self-administered validated questionnaire, which is initially developed by the American Pharmacists Association, was adapted with permission.

RESULTS

A total of 315 pharmacists responded to the survey. Only 23.1% declared completing an immunization training program. Over half of pharmacists (58.4%) administer vaccines to patients. A significant association between lack of support from physicians to pharmacists (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 2.099, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.290-3.414,  = 0.003) and vaccine administration was found, while cost associated with professional development and additional training (ORa = 0.533, 95% CI = 0.287-0.989,  = 0.046) was inversely associated to it. Logistic, financial, and legislative requirements as essential necessities were determined to successfully expand pharmacist-led immunization services.

CONCLUSIONS

The major barriers and challenges to vaccine administration by pharmacists comprised a lack of physicians' support and expenses associated with professional development and additional training. Pharmacists administer more vaccination despite lack of support from physicians; whereas they administer less vaccination due to cost associated with professional development and further training. The scope of pharmacy practice in Lebanon is not well recognized by other healthcare providers and stakeholders to include immunization services.