Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania

• Published in: Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
• Main Authors: Chirila,Sergiu, Hangan,Tony, Gurgas,Leonard, Costache,Monica, Vlad,Marinela, Nitu,Bogdan-Florentin, Bittar,Sara, Craciun,Aurora, Condur,Laura, Bjørklund,Geir
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Press 2024
• Subjects: Risk Management and Healthcare Policy; Mo i Rana
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/pharmacy-based-influenza-vaccination-a-study-of-patient-acceptance-in--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-RMHP

Sergiu Chirila,1,* Tony Hangan,2,* Leonard Gurgas,1,* Monica Georgiana Costache,2,* Marinela Anisoara Vlad,3,* Bogdan-Florentin Nitu,3,* Sara Melek Bittar,4,* Aurora Craciun,5,* Laura Condur,6,* Geir Bjørklund7,* 1Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 2Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 3Doctoral School of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 4Department of Dermatology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 5Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 6Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania; 7Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Tony Hangan, University Alee nr. 1, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Campus B, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, 900470, Romania, Email [e-mail]: This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration.Material and Method: The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations.Results: Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based ...