Improving flu vaccination coverage from community pharmacy: Pilot intervention study

Introduction: Vaccinating population is the most effective method of preventing flu and its consequences although in Spain coverage rates remain low. Our objective is to assess whether community pharmacist intervention can increase vaccination coverage of risk population and to identify factors influencing rates.

Material and methods: Pre-post cuasi experimental study including three high risk population groups: aged 65 and above (M), having any risk chronic illness (C) or transmitting patients (T). Coverage was measured before and twice (two vaccination campaigns) after intervention and the effect of different factors on having the vaccine were estimated.

Results: 74 patients, 58  % women, aged between 33 and 90 were interviewed. Vaccination coverage before intervention: 58  %. Rates found by risk group: 69  % M, 62  % C y 47  % T. 31 risk patients with no vaccination history were identified. Global post-intervention vaccination coverage: 74  % in 17/18 vaccination campaign and 66  % in 18/19. Flu awareness, vaccination in previous seasons and being aged above 65 showed statistically significant effect on vaccination rate.

Discussion: Pre-intervention rates were similar to those published for our region and country. Post-intervention rates (74 and 66  %) are close to EU and WHO vaccination goals. The higher coverage increase was achieved for C and T groups: this can be relevant in closed communities where hygiene measures are of importance.

Conclusions: A simple intervention conducted at our community pharmacy resulted in a significant increase of the flu vaccination rate in several population risk groups.