Services Database Community Pharmacies and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (Tower Hamlets Area)

The community pharmacists in TH to have one to one conversations with targeted population groups, i.e. those who are more likely to be vaccine hesitant, when they visit the pharmacy. Participating pharmacies will have consultation rooms which are accessible, have PPE, and can provide privacy. Pharmacies can also provide remote consultations via telephone and video calls, for those who are more digitally advanced. Pharmacies can then offer vaccinations in house (subject to vaccines availability and consent of the resident).Patients will be offered the option to leave the pharmacy and take time to reflect on the discussion and to return subsequently if they choos to be vaccinated.

Alternatively patients may chose to work with the local GP surgery or neighbouring clinic for vaccination provision).

It is also expected that pharmacies will work with nearby care homes to improve vaccination rates among care homes staff.

Key requirements to for pharmacies to participate in the programme

• Service has to be provided by a qualified pharmacist
• The pharmacy must have a private consulation room
• The pharmacy must have access to IT and use pharmoutcomes for data entry
• Participating pharmacists must complete training at https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/675208 Section on resources to support COVID-19 vaccinators and volunteers with patient conversations section which covers vaccine hesitancy FAQ’s