Pharmacists are educated and trained health care professionals who manage the distribution of medicines to consumers/patients and help ensure their safe and efficacious use. The role of the pharmacist has changed over recent years. Although their main role is to dispense medications in retail pharmacies, pharmacists are increasingly providing direct care to patients (e.g. flu vaccinations in Ireland and New Zealand, medicine adherence support in Australia, Japan, England and New Zealand), both in community pharmacies and as part of integrated health care provider teams.