Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines uptake among pharmacists: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Influenza virus and pneumococcal infections are associated with serious health risks resulting from complications. Vaccinations are an effective method of preventing them. Pharmacists can play an essential role in promoting and administering vaccines. High vaccination rates among pharmacists could increase their credibility as vaccination advocates. The review aims to discuss the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage among pharmacists and factors influencing the willingness to vaccinate.

METHODS

The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines across three medical databases: Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID), and Cochrane Library. The quality assessment of the study was carried out using The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. A meta-analysis was also conducted to estimate pharmacists' overall influenza vaccination coverage, incorporating an analysis of vaccination trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of 6194 observations and 3585 events reveals an overall influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists of 50.78% under a random effects model, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 36.20% to 65.22%. Only one retrieved study analyzes pharmacists' vaccination coverage against pneumococci. According to the findings, 20.8% of the participants in the study were vaccinated against pneumococci.

CONCLUSIONS

The current influenza vaccination rate among pharmacists is moderate, and concerted efforts are needed to increase it. This involves implementing continuous education, beginning at the pharmacy degree stage.