The Hague • 21 December 2023
A new campaign launched by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) today aims to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of vaccination among vulnerable groups through community pharmacies.
Under the banner “Let’s talk about vaccines!”, the federation has produced a suite of freely available evidence-based materials aimed at pharmacy teams and the public. They provide education on and promote awareness of specific vaccines (especially influenza and pertussis) and highlight the benefits of vaccinations for groups at higher risk from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as older adults, people living with chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease and diabetes) and people who are pregnant.
“Pharmacists can play an important role in actively promoting vaccination, building vaccine confidence and increasing vaccine coverage, which leads to benefits to individuals’ health and quality of life, and for our healthcare systems and societies. Through this initiative, FIP aims to support its member organisations and individual pharmacists in integrating vaccination education into their daily practice,” said Mr Gonçalo Sousa Pinto, FIP lead for practice development and transformation.
Among the campaign materials are posters and a video that can be displayed in pharmacies, brief guides with key messages that pharmacists can give to patients, a series of FIP CPD Bites (short educational resources for pharmacists, including videos) and flyers for different patient groups.
“FIP will be producing different translations of these materials and invites its member organisations to customise the campaign assets not only by translating them but also by including their logo. Pharmacists are also encouraged to adapt their advice to locally applicable vaccination schedules and recommendations,” Mr Sousa Pinto said.
The “Let’s talk about vaccines!” resources are available here.
Notes for editors
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
Lin-Nam Wang, head of communications & advocacy
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1987