Leveraging the role of pharmacists in vaccine education and uptake among newcomers to Ontario.

Background: Canada's newcomer population has grown substantially over the past several years and will continue to increase. Newcomers are known to have lower vaccination coverage compared with the general population as they face unique barriers to vaccine education and access. This contributes to increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases among newcomers. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider in the community, placing them in an ideal position to assist newcomers with vaccine education, access, and uptake. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, we sought to understand the perceptions, barriers, and facilitators pharmacists experience when providing vaccine services to newcomers. We completed semistructured interviews with 12 pharmacists who practice patient care in Ontario. Results: The following 3 major themes were uncovered: (1) pharmacists are accessible health care providers in the community who are willing and motivated to provide vaccine services to newcomers to Ontario; (2) pharmacists do not proactively engage in vaccine education, but they can capitalize on opportunities to provide vaccine education to newcomers by incorporating conversations into routine pharmacy services, and (3) educational materials can support pharmacists and newcomers by addressing barriers and facilitators pharmacists encounter when providing these services. Discussion: The main findings from our research study indicate that pharmacists have the potential to improve vaccine education, access, and uptake among newcomers. Educational materials can support pharmacists by addressing the barriers and facilitators they encounter when providing these services to the newcomer population. Conclusion: Empowering newcomers through pharmacist-led vaccination services can increase vaccine uptake and improve the overall health and well-being of this growing population.