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Latest overview of pharmacy-based vaccination around the world is published by FIP

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The Hague • 4 August 2020

The Hague, 4 August 2020 — Pharmacy-based vaccination is available in at least 36 countries and territories and has been proposed or is undergoing development in a further 16, according to the findings of FIP’s latest survey of pharmacy’s impact on immunisation coverage, released today.


A total of 99 countries and territories participated in the survey, making “An overview of pharmacy’s impact on immunisation coverage: A global survey” the most comprehensive report published on this subject to date. The work, which updates a survey conducted by FIP (the International Pharmaceutical Federation) in 2016, aimed to evaluate different aspects of pharmacist-led immunisation, including advocacy and awareness activities, regulatory frameworks, vaccine administration, reimbursement models, training and certification, vaccination records, and limitations and barriers to the expansion of pharmacy practice to include vaccine administration.

According to the report, community pharmacies give almost 1.8bn people around the world the possibility of being vaccinated. The samples in the 2016 study and this new study are different (45 respondents in 2016 and 99 in 2020), but they have 40 countries and territories in common. In this group, there were 18 countries with pharmacy-based vaccination in 2016 and there are 23 in 2020, a 28% increase.

A total of 36 types of vaccines were reported to be administered in pharmacies. Influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus were the most common, but the list includes vaccines for measles, malaria, pneumococcal infections and shingles.

“This report indicates that pharmacists’ role in immunisation has continued to grow, but so much more could be gained. Numerous benefits, including increased vaccine accessibility and coverage, have been demonstrated in countries where pharmacists have the authority to administer vaccines. Legislative and regulatory barriers must be overcome through evidence-based advocacy and we must address key issues, including reimbursement,” said FIP CEO Dr Catherine Duggan.

The report also highlights a disparity between high- and low- income countries. Pharmacy-based vaccinations are available in 47% of high-income countries (n=43) compared with just 11% of low-income countries (n=28).  

“Pharmacists are medicines experts, first-line healthcare providers, and integral members of the healthcare team. Expanding their scope of practice as vaccinators will ultimately further their contributions to public health. I encourage countries currently without pharmacy-based vaccination to work with FIP and its member organisations to organise a strategy leading to the changes necessary towards health for all,” Dr Duggan said.

FIP is running a webinar to share the findings of this report on 6 August at 13:00 CEST.

Notes for editors

Links

  • “An overview of pharmacy’s impact on immunisation coverage: a global survey” is available here.
  • People can register for the FIP webinar here.
  • Infographics are accessible here.

Interviews Mr Gonҫalo Sousa Pinto, co-author of the report, is available for interview on request.

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 151 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 Corporate Communications & Advocacy
Email linnam@fip.org, Tel +31 70 302 1979



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