Client satisfaction, safety, and insights from a three-season survey on influenza vaccinations delivered at community pharmacies in Germany

Abstract

To address the challenges posed by influenza, its associated complications, and economic burden, the World Health Organization recommends a vaccination rate exceeding 75 % for populations at elevated risk of severe diseases. Presently, vaccination rates in Germany severely lag behind. To augment these rates, pilot projects have been initiated, allowing community pharmacists to administer vaccines. This study aimed to investigate the the acceptability of pharmacy-led influenza vaccinations among clients and pharmacists, clients' motivations to get vaccinated in community pharmacies, and the rate of adverse events during this process. Data were obtained through anonymous questionnaires from influenza vaccination pilot projects in various German regions between 2020 and 2023. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: one for the vaccinating pharmacist to record and document the vaccination process and one for the recipient, focusing on their experiences and views. In total 11,571 responses were evaluated. Notably, 44 % of participants mentioned they would not have sought vaccination outside a pharmacy setting. This percentage was higher (65 %) in those receiving their first influenza vaccination. Vaccinees reported high levels of satisfaction with the supplied information (88.5 %) and vaccination procedure (93.8 %). Furthermore, clients declared a high willingness to repeat the vaccination (93.9 %) and the possibility of receiving other vaccinations in pharmacies (79.7 %). Among all surveyees, only nine reported adverse reactions post pharmacy-administered vaccination, with none necessitating emergency intervention. Pharmacy-led influenza vaccinations were identified as safe, well-received by vaccinees and effective in increasing vaccination acceptability with the potential to enhance vaccination rates across diverse demographics in Germany.