PIN78 - UPTAKE OF THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION AMONGST A COHORT OF PHARMACISTS IN IRELAND

Abstract

Influenza is responsible for between 200 and 500 deaths each year in Ireland. Immunisation is a crucial component in infection control. Vaccinating priority groups such as healthcare workers is a vital focus of infection prevention efforts. In late 2017, the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) recommended that 40% of all healthcare workers receive the influenza vaccination in order to maximise protection of at-risk patients. The aim of this research was to ascertain the uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccination in a cohort of pharmacists and to evaluate pharmacists’ perceptions on barriers and facilitators to vaccination. An online survey was distributed using LimeSurvey® version 2.6.6 across 84 pharmacies within an Irish community pharmacy chain in January 2018. Quantitative data was managed and analysed in IBM SPSS Statistics® version 22. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. A total of 109/238 pharmacists (45.8%) completed the survey. One-hundred and six of the respondents (97.2%) were trained to administer the influenza vaccine. The majority of respondents (79.8%) received the seasonal influenza vaccine during the 2017/18 influenza season. Prior to being trained in influenza vaccine administration, 29/106 pharmacists (27.4%) received the vaccine. There were no statistically significant differences in the vaccination uptake rates between younger and older pharmacists (p= 0.509) and between newly qualified and more experienced pharmacists (p= 0.875). Barriers to vaccination included time restrictions, fear of side effects and concerns about the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. Facilitators to vaccination included free of charge vaccination service, importance of patient protection and personal safety. Uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccination among a cohort of pharmacists exceeded standards recommended by the Irish HSE for the vaccination of healthcare workers. Allocation of vaccination appointments, incentives, and promotion of influenza vaccination benefits are strategies that should be implemented to enhance vaccination service usage.