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. 2025 Jul 1;5(1):258.
doi: 10.1038/s43856-025-00976-7.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines uptake among pharmacists: systematic review and meta-analysis

Michał Waszkiewicz  1 , Katarzyna Wnuk  1   2 , Jakub Świtalski  3 , Anna Augustynowicz  1   4
Affiliations

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines uptake among pharmacists: systematic review and meta-analysis

Michał Waszkiewicz et al. Commun Med (Lond). .

Abstract

Background: Influenza virus and pneumococcal infections are associated with serious health risks resulting from complications. Vaccinations are an effective method of preventing them. Pharmacists can play an essential role in promoting and administering vaccines. High vaccination rates among pharmacists could increase their credibility as vaccination advocates. The review aims to discuss the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage among pharmacists and factors influencing the willingness to vaccinate.

Methods: The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines across three medical databases: Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID), and Cochrane Library. The quality assessment of the study was carried out using The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. A meta-analysis was also conducted to estimate pharmacists' overall influenza vaccination coverage, incorporating an analysis of vaccination trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: The meta-analysis of 6194 observations and 3585 events reveals an overall influenza vaccination coverage among pharmacists of 50.78% under a random effects model, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 36.20% to 65.22%. Only one retrieved study analyzes pharmacists' vaccination coverage against pneumococci. According to the findings, 20.8% of the participants in the study were vaccinated against pneumococci.

Conclusions: The current influenza vaccination rate among pharmacists is moderate, and concerted efforts are needed to increase it. This involves implementing continuous education, beginning at the pharmacy degree stage.

Plain language summary

Immunization is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases. We used uptake of immunization against influenza and pneumococcal among pharmacists to estimate the coverage within the profession and as a surrogate measure of their influence on the general public. We evaluated 18 studies, only one of which was on pneumococcus immunization. They find that influenza vaccination rates among pharmacists varied widely, from 7% to 95%, with an average of about 50.78%. They note that pharmacists often choose to vaccinate to protect their patients and families. However, some pharmacists are hesitant due to doubts about vaccine effectiveness and safety. The study suggests that increasing education about vaccines could improve vaccination rates among pharmacists. This research highlights the need for better strategies to encourage pharmacists to get vaccinated, which could help increase overall vaccination rates in the community. Future efforts could focus on addressing misconceptions and improving access to vaccines.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. PRISMA flow diagram.
The process of study selection presented in the PRISMA flow diagram. Ultimately, 18 studies were included.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Analysis of overall pooled proportions.
The results of the studies included in the meta-analysis, considering the number of individuals vaccinated against influenza (Events; n = 3585) and the total number of participants (Total; N = 6194). For each study, the proportion of vaccinated individuals is calculated, and the overall result is provided. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval (CI).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Analysis of overall pooled and subgroup proportions by study period: pre-Covid-19 pandemic versus during the Covid-19 pandemic.
a Influenza vaccination coverage before the Covid-19 pandemic (up to 2019; N = 3382; n = 2002). b Influenza vaccination coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic (from 2020; N = 2812; n = 1583). For each study, the proportion of vaccinated individuals is calculated, and the overall result is provided. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval (CI).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. Funnel plot depicting logit-transformed proportion estimates against standard error to evaluate publication bias in 17 studies concerning influenza vaccination rates among pharmacists.
Each point represents a separate study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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