Survey: US Adults Prefer a Pharmacy Over a Mass Event to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines

Most Americans prefer to receive their COVID-19 vaccines from a trusted health care provider, such as their pharmacist or physician, rather than being immunized at a mass event, according to the results of a recent survey.¹

The new survey, which was released by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and conducted by Public Policy Polling from February 26-27, asked 1390 adults a variety of questions about COVID-19 vaccinations.¹

Twenty-four percent of respondents indicated that the pharmacy would be their first choice for where to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Thirty-six percent listed a doctor’s office as their first choice and 23% said they would prefer to be immunized at a clinic, health center, or medical office. Only 4% reported a preference to be immunized at a mass vaccination event, such as events where thousands of recipients wait in parking lots or sports stadiums to be vaccinated by public health officials.¹

Of those who have received their vaccine, 17% said they received it at a mass vaccination event, whereas 9% received it at a pharmacy or other store, according to the results.¹

“Pharmacists are being underutilized,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA, in a statement.² “Millions of Americans would prefer to get immunized by a local health care provider, like a pharmacist. Community pharmacies have the capacity and the ability to vaccinate many more people than they are currently able to because of the supply and pharmacy allocation issues.”

Twenty-six percent of adults surveyed said they have already received one of the COVID-19 vaccines and another 41% say they plan to be immunized as soon as they are eligible. Twenty-five percent said they do not plan to get the vaccine. Ninety-three percent of respondents indicated they would receive the COVID-19 vaccination if their physician or pharmacist suggested it.¹

“Nearly 40% of Americans are already getting vaccinated for the flu by their local pharmacist,” said Hoey.²“Many Americans also rely on their pharmacist to treat minor ailments. The fact is that Americans trust their pharmacist. Pharmacists, because they are trusted, are in a much better position to counsel people who are reluctant to take the COVID-19 vaccines.”

References

1. Public Policy Polling. National Survey Results. February 2021. Accessed March 11, 2021. https://ncpa.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/NationalToplines4.pdf
2. National Survey Shows Americans Prefer a Local Health Care Provider Over a Mass Event to Get the COVID-19 Vaccines. News release. National Community Pharmacists Association; March 9, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2021. https://ncpa.org/newsroom/news-releases/2021/03/09/national-survey-shows-americans-prefer-local-health-care-provider