Date of Conferral

3-30-2026

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Richard  Jimenez

Abstract

Pharmacists play a pivotal role in public health, particularly in promoting vaccination. However, vaccine hesitancy among pharmacists significantly undermines their willingness to provide effective patient counseling and to advocate for vaccination, potentially eroding public trust in vaccines. This descriptive-phenomenological study sought to understand the factors contributing to pharmacists’ COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and how this hesitancy affected their willingness to recommend vaccines to patients. Twenty practicing pharmacists were interviewed via Zoom between September 23 and October 14, 2025. The health belief model helped interpret the study findings. Thematic analysis, as described by Braun and Clarke, was conducted to identify and interpret recurring themes related to vaccine hesitancy and professional practice. NVivo software was used to organize and code data. Prior research indicated that uncertainty about emerging scientific evidence can contribute to vaccine hesitancy, even among medically trained professionals, underscoring that knowledge alone does not guarantee vaccine acceptance. Consistent with this literature, the findings of this study suggest that concerns about long-term vaccine safety, rapidly evolving and inconsistent information, limited communication and training, the accelerated vaccine rollout, and personal beliefs all affected pharmacists’ confidence in recommending the COVID-19 vaccine. The implications for positive social change include contributing to a deeper understanding of healthcare providers’ influence on public health efforts and ultimately supporting higher vaccination rates and stronger community trust in healthcare systems.

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