Supported by MSD
Chair(s)
Rune Horby Director, Vaccines Policy and Government Affairs, MSD, Denmark
Introduction:
Pharmacy vaccination has become a rapidly growing strategy that countries have increasingly employed to improve accessibility and uptake of vaccines across the life-course, with at least 57 countries now offering pharmacy-based vaccination. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to significantly impact vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) due to their widespread community presence and capability to administer vaccines. Evidence indicates that pharmacist involvement in vaccination not only boosts VCRs but also streamlines patient pathways, alleviates pressure on healthcare systems, and provides convenient access, especially for adults, adolescents, and underserved communities.
This session will explore the global landscape of pharmacy-based vaccination, addressing the challenges and enablers to expanding access to vaccination services in pharmacies. We will discuss how data has been utilized to inform pharmacy vaccination policy changes through evidence-based decision-making, featuring case studies from national pharmacy associations. Additionally, the session will explore the pharmacist's role as a trusted healthcare provider and strategies to highlight their value in the vaccination process. The overarching goal of the session is to activate pharmacists and related stakeholders to continue to drive policies in support of pharmacy-based vaccination.
Programme:
| 12:45 – 12:55 | Chair introduction |
| Rune Horby, Director, Vaccines Policy and Government Affairs, MSD, Denmark | |
| 12:55 – 13:05 | Global policy landscape for pharmacy-based vaccination |
| Catherine Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, FIP, Netherlands | |
| 13:05 – 13:15 | Driving evidence-based decision-making |
| Shelita Dattani, Key Opinion Leader, Speaker and Consultant (Pharmacy, Public Health and Primary Healthcare), Canada | |
| 13:15 – 13:25 | Amplifying pharmacists’ voices as a trusted partner |
| Tina Hoby Andersen Chief Executive Officer, Apovac | |
| 13:25 – 13:50 | Discussion and Q&A |
| 13:50 – 14:00 | Closing |
Learning objectives:
1. To review the worldwide policy landscape on pharmacy-based vaccination highlighting the challenges and enablers to expanding access to vaccination services in pharmacies.
2. To share insights on driving policy change by highlighting data to support evidence-based decision-making.
3. To share best practices on how to amplify the pharmacist’s voice as a trusted healthcare provider for vaccinations.
Take home messages:
Pharmacy-Based Vaccination Landscape: Pharmacy vaccination is essential for improving vaccine accessibility, uptake, and overall vaccination coverage rates, as evidenced by its adoption in an increasing number of countries. However, challenges remain to advancing the practice further including lack of GP / other HCP support, appropriate remuneration, lack of data interoperability, consumer trust and awareness.
Role of Pharmacists: Pharmacists, as highly trained and trusted healthcare professionals, are well-positioned to administer vaccines, though barriers still limit their full potential.
Driving Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Policy: Providing data on the benefits of pharmacy vaccination can facilitate evidence-based decision-making and drive policy changes to enhance pharmacy vaccination and expand the role of the pharmacist.
Amplifying the Voice of the Pharmacist: Conduct targeted education initiatives to improve the public understanding of pharmacists’ roles in immunisation and highlighting pharmacists' expertise through trust-building initiatives (i.e., community outreach and mobile vaccination units) can further enhance uptake
