The Hague • 14 December 2023
Practice and legislation changes related to pharmacy-based vaccination (PBV) in 17 countries are presented in a new report published by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) today.
“This report provides an overview of recent successes reported by FIP member organisations in implementing or expanding the role of pharmacists in vaccination. It also shares the perspectives of FIP member organisations that are currently advocating for the introduction of PBV, presenting the challenges they face and the strategies they are employing to overcome such challenges,” said Mr Gonçalo Sousa Pinto, lead for practice development and transformation and lead author of the report.
Taking a mixed methodology approach, including case studies (open response survey) and an insight board discussion (focus group methodology), the report aims to advocate pharmacists’ vital contribution to vaccination coverage and the reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide.
Eleven case studies from FIP member organisations in Australia, Belgium, France, Greece, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Lithuania, Norway and Romania, offer insights into current clinical coverage, policy frameworks, financial remuneration, implementation processes, the impact of PBV on vaccination coverage rates and public satisfaction with PBV.
In addition, the report provides updates from seven additional countries (Algeria, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE), with recent developments in terms of PBV, providing a wider understanding of global practices. “This report is a timely testament to the growing capabilities within community pharmacists. It provides FIP member organisations and others with examples that can support their advocacy and developments,” Mr Sousa Pinto added.
Insights from 10 countries facing barriers to introducing this important professional service by pharmacists are also included in the report, with inputs collected from Estonia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Türkiye and Ukraine.
The report advocates regulatory and legislative systems that enable vaccination-related roles by pharmacists, aiming to ensure equitable access to pharmacy-delivered vaccinations. It emphasises the importance of training and certification pathways to equip pharmacists with the confidence and competence to fulfil these roles. Finally, the report highlights the significance of appropriate remuneration models for the long-term sustainable provision of these services.
Notes for editors
This new publication supplements FIP’s 2020 report “An overview of pharmacy's impact on immunisation coverage. A global survey”.
ABOUT FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 156 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org
PRESS CONTACT
Laila Ghorab, communications coordinator
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Email laila@fip.org