The anti-vaccine movement: A pharmacist's view

Abstract

Pharmacists are widely known as the most accessible health care providers, and are often called upon to serve as the liaison between other health care professionals, patients, and caregivers to facilitate communication, clarify purpose of therapy, and dispel myths and misconceptions. In the last decade, pharmacists have begun to play an integral role in the provision of vaccinations, and are uniquely positioned to educate the public about vaccines and the current evidence to support their safe use. Currently, all 50 states allow pharmacists to administer vaccines. There are barriers to the continuing expansion of pharmacists in this role, including turf wars with other health care providers, lack of public understanding/acceptance of the pharmacist in that role, lack of understanding regarding the education and training of pharmacists, and lack of structure for compensation of pharmacists from insurers. Nevertheless, pharmacists have demonstrated the ability to increase vaccination rates.