As the fall approaches, a significant change is coming to the healthcare landscape. Starting from 1st October to 31st December, pharmacists will be authorized to administer flu shots,
in addition to offering the Corona vaccine booster.
Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, aims to boost vaccination rates with this new initiative. By allowing pharmacists to provide flu vaccines, he hopes to lower the barriers for citizens, particularly those who have limited or no contact with a general practitioner. This move complements the efforts of general practitioners and is expected to increase flu vaccination rates during the upcoming winter season.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have recommended the combination of the 2022 winter booster campaign with the flu shot. Following this recommendation, the Supreme Health Council and the Interministerial Conference on Health (IMC) have encouraged Minister Vandenbroucke to involve pharmacists in administering the flu shot during the flu season.
Vandenbroucke highlights that the flu vaccination rate is currently insufficient, especially among certain vulnerable groups. Several European countries have already permitted vaccination against influenza by pharmacists, and this has resulted in higher vaccination rates. Pharmacists often have frequent interactions with people, making them more accessible to the public than general practitioners. The trust and expertise that people have in their pharmacists can play a pivotal role in encouraging vaccination, especially for those who do not visit family doctors regularly.
This collaborative approach recognizes the role of pharmacists as valuable healthcare partners, leveraging their relationships with patients to improve public health outcomes. By actively engaging pharmacists during the flu season, the government aims to create a seamless and convenient vaccination experience for citizens.
With pharmacists now equipped and trained to administer both flu and Corona vaccines, the fall season is set to witness an increased push for vaccinations, creating a healthier and safer community. Photo by Bill Branson (Photographer), Wikimedia commons.