Level of Comfort and Barriers to Pediatric Vaccination Among Pharmacy-Based Immunizers in California
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-15-2026
Abstract
Background
Pharmacists are increasingly recognized as accessible immunizers, yet pediatric vaccination rates in community pharmacies remain lower than those for adults, likely due to unique barriers. This study aimed to assess the comfort level of pharmacy-based immunizers in California with administering vaccines to pediatric patients and to identify barriers limiting their participation in pediatric immunization.
Methods
An IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians administering vaccines in California community pharmacies between November 2022 and February 2023. The survey measured comfort with vaccinating pediatric age groups, perceived barriers, and collected demographic data. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test to assess dif-ferences in comfort by age group and provider type.
Results
Among 178 respondents (105 student pharmacists, 73 pharmacists), most expressed discomfort vaccinating younger children, with 71.5% uncomfortable vac-cinating those under three years old and 55.8% for ages 3–4. Comfort increased with patient age, with only 3.5% uncomfortable with adolescents (11–17 years). Key barriers included behavioral challenges (83%), lack of ex-perience (72%), anatomical challenges (51%), training deficits (50%), and parental influence (27%). The most commonly administered pediatric vaccines were influenza, COVID-19, Tdap, PCV, and MMR.
Conclusions
California pharmacy-based immunizers report lower comfort and higher perceived barriers with vaccinating younger pediatric patients compared to adolescents. Addressing these barriers through enhanced training, targeted education, and supportive policy initiatives may improve pharmacist confidence and increase pediatric vaccination rates. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to support pharmacist involvement in pediatric immunization.
Recommended Citation
Bethishou, L., Hess, K., Beutler, R., & Goad, J. (2026). Level of Comfort and Barriers to Pediatric Vaccination Among Pharmacy-Based Immunizers in California. California Journal of Health Promotion.
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Copyright
The authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Pediatrics Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in California Journal of Health Promotion. in 2026.