Assessment of perception, benefits, and barriers to community pharmacies' vaccination services in Nigeria; a cross-sectional study of two south-western states
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51412/psnnjp.2026.010Keywords:
community pharmacies, Nigeria, vaccination perspectives, vaccination services, vaccinatorsAbstract
Background: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in many countries have been designated as vaccination centres and pharmacists as vaccinators. However, limited studies in Nigeria have assessed community pharmacists' opinions on this expanded role. This study evaluated their community pharmacist's perception, perceived benefits, and potential barriers to providing vaccination services.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale was conducted among 474 selected community pharmacists between March and May 2023. The instrument assessed their perception (6 indicators), perceived benefits, and potential barriers (11 indicators). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t-test, chi-square, and paired t-test, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 411 responses were analysed (response rate: 86.7%). Most respondents supported the involvement of community pharmacies in vaccine administration (98.8%) and the authorization of pharmacists as vaccinators (96.6%), with a high mean perception score (27.93 ± 2.77/30). Perceived benefits were also high (mean score: 51.12 ± 4.28/55), particularly improved vaccination coverage (99.5%) and increased access to vaccines (99.3%). Key barriers included lack of government authorization and unsupportive policies (85.6%) (mean barrier score: 39.96 ± 7.33/55). Perceived benefits and perception were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.645, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Nigeria show strong support for vaccination services in community pharmacies. Expanding their role could improve vaccine access and coverage, although policy and regulatory barriers need to be addressed.
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