The perception and attitudes of pharmacists and their users towards vaccination and vaccinehesitancy. A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and objectives: The increase in vaccine hesitancy threatens advances in public health and causes vaccine-preventable diseases outbreaks in infra-vaccinated communities. This study aims to determine and compare the perception and attitudes towards vaccination among pharmacy users, pharmacy students and community pharmacists. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted during March and April 2020, surveying perceptions and attitudes towards vaccination in Barcelona (Spain). Statistical analysis was assessed by chi2 test and multivariate regression. Statistical significance when P < .05. The association measure of Odds Ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Results: A high percentage of hesitant opinions (44%) among pharmacy users was observed, despite high vaccine coverage (80%). Some showed mistrust in the health system (23.3%) and a statistically significant association was found between previous negative experiences with vaccination and hesitant attitudes (OR: 3.04; 95%CI 1.16 to 7.93; P = .02). Of all surveyed pharmacy users, those over 44 years old showed a stronger hesitant attitude towards vaccines (OR: 2.63; 95%CI 1.11 to 6.19; P = .03), and 40% undervalued influenza vaccine, including risk groups. Both pharmacy students and community pharmacists had a positive attitude towards vaccination. While only 16% of surveyed pharmacists vaccinated against influenza during the 2019/2020 influenza seasonal campaign, most of them considered their vaccination important to the profession (61%). Conclusions: Active promotion and education of the population and reliable communication on vaccines are some of the needs that community pharmacists can solve, claiming their role as highly qualified health professionals in daily contact with the population.