Vaccination distribution by community pharmacists under the COVID-19 vaccine appointment system in Taiwan

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Che Huei Lin¹  Ya Wen Lin²  Ming Hung Lin³ 

[1] College of Pharmacy and Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan;Department of College Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan;School of Nursing, China Medical University, 40402, Taichung, Taiwan;Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan;College of Pharmacy and Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan;

关键词: Pharmacists;    COVID-19 pandemic;    Community pharmacy;    Vaccine;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12962-021-00331-2

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Pharmacists play a critical role in implementing and promoting public health policies, particularly during pandemics, thanks to their exceptional skills, knowledge, expertise, and accessibility to the public. This study aimed to increase the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in a coordinated manner to ensure equal accessibility to all Taiwanese residents. A total of 3301 health insurance special pharmacies, equivalent to 80% of all community pharmacies in Taiwan, are assisting the public in scheduling vaccines. Once pharmacists had ensured adequate vaccine availability, vaccinations were scheduled depending on the time of registration on the platform for vaccination appointments. The roll-out of this program saw a significant number of people register and receive the vaccine throughout the country, and the number of individuals who received both a first and second dose increased significantly. Community pharmacy-based distribution of the vaccine to the public signifies the novel and innovative involvement of pharmacists in government initiatives to promote public health. Our study shows that community pharmacies can potentially enhance the efficiency and equitable distribution of health supplies and resources, particularly during pandemics.

【 授权许可】

CC BY