Perception of Community Pharmacy Staff toward the COVID-19 Vaccination and Adverse Events: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey approach in the Twin Cities of Pakistan

Progress in vaccine development has expanded since the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, inadequate vaccine development, the lack of a comprehensive risk assessment, and limited awareness among community pharmacists of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) associated with vaccines negatively impacted patients' quality of life. This research intends to measure the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of community pharmacy personnel towards the process of COVID-19 vaccination and its adverse effects.

From October 2021 to November 2022, a cross-sectional, survey-based research was carried out using 400 respondents.

400 respondents were involved, among them about 59% were male, and 65% were female, with an age range of 25 to 39 years. Over 67% of participants reported themselves as vaccinated against COVID-19. Moreover, 62% of respondents were motivated to participate in public vaccination programs, and about 66% believed that pharmacy professionals contribute to preventing viral spread. Lack of awareness was considered to be one of the leading factors associated with vaccine-related ADRs.

The study revealed the progressive role of pharmacy professionals in vaccine advocacy and delivery, contributing to an overall improvement in vaccination rates.

According to current findings, pharmacy professionals overall exhibited good knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. It was especially observed that pharmacists performed significantly better in terms of knowledge compared to other healthcare professionals. Strengthening this knowledge would result in more successful delivery of the immunization services throughout Pakistan.