flu coverage — Flu coverage in Cyprus remains stagnant at around 60%, prompting the Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association (PPA) to advocate for pharmacists to administer flu vaccinations. The association has formally requested the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to grant this authority, with a meeting on the matter set for next week.
Flu coverage: Pharmacists Ready to Vaccinate
Ploutarchos Georgiades, President of the PPA, highlighted that countries where pharmacists are allowed to give flu shots achieve vaccination rates exceeding 90%. In contrast, Cyprus struggles with its current figures. Georgiades expressed his frustration, stating, “An issue that has been settled in the rest of the western world for decades, we are still trying to discuss in Cyprus.” He emphasised that the practice of allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines is well-established globally.
Enhancing Accessibility for Citizens
By enabling pharmacists to provide flu vaccinations, Georgiades believes that citizens would benefit from improved access. He stated, “Access for citizens will be easier through their neighbourhood pharmacy, without having to wait for their doctor to arrange an appointment or travel to vaccination centres.” This change could significantly increase vaccination uptake in the community.
Previous Discussions and Future Meetings
The PPA has engaged in discussions with both the Health Minister and the HIO regarding this topic. Georgiades noted that a political decision is necessary to move the request forward and believes that previous objections have been resolved. The upcoming meeting presents a crucial opportunity for the PPA to push for action.
A European Perspective on Pharmacy Vaccination
The trend of pharmacists administering vaccines is not unique to Cyprus. According to the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU), at least 15 countries in Europe allow pharmacy vaccination, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Models differ: in some nations, pharmacists undergo specialist training to administer vaccines, while in others, trained nurses or health staff provide the service within pharmacies.
Public Reimbursement Models
Countries like Ireland, Portugal, France, and the UK have integrated public reimbursement or state funding for pharmacy-administered flu vaccinations. These systems enable pharmacies to play a significant role in public health by providing accessible vaccination services. For instance, in Greece, citizens can receive flu vaccinations directly from certified pharmacists without needing a doctor’s visit, a system that has been in place since 2019.
Potential Impact on Public Health in Cyprus
Implementing a similar programme in Cyprus could have a transformative impact on public health. By leveraging the existing infrastructure of community pharmacies, the government could enhance vaccination rates significantly, ensuring that more citizens are protected against the flu. As discussions continue, the hope is that policymakers will recognise the benefits of this approach and act swiftly.
