Adult immunization services: Steps have to be done

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to describe the offer and accessibility of vaccination services for adolescents and adults so they can be adapted to needs in the future.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the 81 medical clinics that offer vaccination services in a region of Québec.ResultsThe response was 70% (57/81). Over 90% of clinics planned to maintain or increase their offer of vaccination services over the next 5 years. One quarter of clinics did not have the facilities to optimize the cold chain respect. The principal barriers were the cost of purchasing vaccines and the low level of remuneration for vaccination.ConclusionsThis study provided better knowledge of the actual and future offer and accessibility of vaccination for adolescents and adults in Québec. It was shown that evidence-based interventions known to improve vaccine storage and accessibility were absent in many medical clinics.