Flu Vaccinations in Pharmacies-A Review of Pharmacists Fighting Pandemics and Infectious Diseases

Abstract

The phenomenon of population ageing observed over recent years involves growing healthcare needs and the limited staffing and financing of healthcare systems, and as such demands some functional changes in the healthcare model in many countries. This situation is particularly significant in the face of a pandemic, e.g., flu, and currently COVID-19.As well as social education, preventive vaccinations are the most effective method of fighting the infectious diseases posing a special threat to seniors. Despite this, the vaccination coverage level in most European countries is relatively low. This is largely due to patients having limited access to vaccinations. In some countries, implementing vaccinations in pharmacies and by authorized pharmacists has significantly improved vaccination coverage rates and herd immunity, while lowering the cost of treating infections and the resulting complications, as well as minimizing the phenomenon of inappropriate antibiotic therapies. This article presents the role of pharmacists in the prevention of infectious diseases, pointing out the measurable effects of engaging pharmacists in conducting preventive vaccinations, as well as analyzing the models of implementing and conducting vaccinations in pharmacies in selected countries, and depicting recommendations regarding vaccinations developed by international organizations. The presented data is used to suggest requirements for the implementation of preventive vaccinations in community pharmacies.

Keywords: COVID-19; flu; pharmacist; pharmacy; vaccination.

Figure 1

European countries with flu vaccinations available in pharmacies. F—the possibility of administering vaccinations in pharmacies by pharmacists; P—the possibility of administering vaccinations in pharmacies by other qualified healthcare professionals. Source: Antczak A, Balcerzak M, Byliniak M, Czech M, Drozd M, Merks P. Szczepienia przeciw grypie w aptekach. Raport opieka farmaceutyczna. Fundacja Nadzieja dla Zdrowia, Warszawa 2020.