Flu Vaccine Uptake is Slightly Higher in Provinces When Administered by Pharmacists

According to a new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal, people are more likely to be vaccinated in provinces where policies allow pharmacist to administer flu vaccinations. Flu shots or influenza vaccines helps to protect against influenza virus. They are generally safe vaccines which can be injected into the muscle or in the middle layer of the skin.

Principal researcher, Dr. Jeff Kwong of Public Health Ontario said that people who live in provinces with pharmacist policy tend to be vaccinated for over 5 percent. He added that this might make their lives easier to get flu shots.

People were also able to report receipt for flu vaccines when administered by pharmacists before survey participation than those people without any pharmacy policy.

The Data collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2007- 2014 was studied by the researchers on 481 526 people who were aged 12 years and above. The results of the 7 year study period reported that use of influenza vaccines declined, whereas in provinces with pharmacist policy the uptake of vaccines were slightly higher 30.4 percent compared to those who did not 28.2 percent. Females, people above the age of 50, people with chronic conditions, people who lived in urban areas, people who are highly educated were found to be vaccinated for influenza vaccine compared to immigrants, daily smokers and healthy people who were less likely to be vaccinated for influenza.

This reports that proper education and exposure through pharmacists and pharmacy visits may increase the coverage. It is also found that 80% of the Canadians consult with pharmacists and pharmacies also provide reminders for annual influenza vaccinations.

The study was conducted by researchers from University of Toronto, Dalhousie University, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo and Public Health Ontario.

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Source-Medindia