Pharmacists urged to expand their role in immunisation

Pharmacists around the world can now make use of a resource from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to help them expand their role in immunisation.

The resource, “Give it a shot: Expanding immunisation coverage through pharmacists”, available now, offers practical guidance on implementing a vaccination service and sets out the roles and technical requirements for pharmacy-based vaccines-related services.

FIP is making this document freely available to pharmacists and their teams around the world. It makes the case for pharmacy-based vaccinations and presents a compilation of evidence and best practice.

“FIP strongly believes that pharmacists should be involved in vaccination strategies in a multitude of roles everywhere around the world and has given high priority to this area for a decade. In recent years, the number of countries that have introduced vaccination by pharmacists or at community pharmacies has increased. However, barriers and opposition to this expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice remain in many countries and with this resource, we want to inspire these countries to move forward and individuals to act,” said FIP President Mr Dominique Jordan.

He added: “Vaccination is one of the most successful, safe and cost-effective health interventions of all time. Improving vaccination coverage is a global imperative and pharmacists must join these efforts.”