C.D. Howe suggests greater role for pharmacists could improve adult immunization rates

A report from the C.D. Howe Institute finds adults aren't opting to be immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases like influenza, shingles and tetanus-pertussis in great enough numbers. To bring rate of immunization up to the federal standard of 80% of adults, the study recommends this following remedies:

• Improve vaccination rates among healthcare workers;
• Build an adult immunization database to inform policy and allow for a targeted policy approach to under-vaccinated citizens;
• Expand the role of pharmacies to allow patients to get their annual influenza shot from pharmacists, build greater links to primary care, and expand pharmacists' ability to set up immunization reminders for patients via apps;
• Make adult immunization more of a routine process by asking for proof of immunization coverage at entry to post-secondary institutions; and
• Overcome "confidence" issues by creating a national vaccine list for adults, including only cost-effective vaccines for public funding.