A Cross-Sectional Survey to Identify Current Pneumococcal Vaccination Practices and Barriers in Rural Community Pharmacies.

ABSTRACT: Background: Pneumococcal vaccination rates in the United States (US) remain suboptimal, especially for adults aged 19 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions. Community-pharmacy-based immunization services increase vaccine access, particularly in rural areas. This study describes the provision of pneumococcal immunization services, assesses the processes used to identify and confirm patient eligibility, and determines barriers to immunization services in rural community pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was emailed to members of the Rural Research Alliance of Community Pharmacies, located in the southeastern US. The survey assessed which pneumococcal vaccines were offered, age groups, prescription requirements, and how patient eligibility was determined. In additi

SUBMITTER: Chinchilla AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12298712 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature