By law

Chamber wants to offer vaccinations in pharmacies

On Tuesday, the Chamber of Pharmacists once again called for pharmacies to be allowed to offer vaccinations in their area (see video above). This could increase the vaccination rate in the population, argued Chamber of Pharmacists President Ulrike Mursch-Edlmayr. This can be seen in international comparisons.

In addition, vaccination in pharmacies also leads to more willingness to be vaccinated in doctors' surgeries. More than 2000 pharmacists have completed training based on the international model with a theoretical and practical part, said Mursch-Edlmayr. However, a legal basis is needed for this offer.

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the Seniors' Council and the Patient Ombudsman's Office are supporting this request. Vaccination is low-threshold in pharmacies and the price is also an important issue. In doctors' surgeries, there is sometimes a long wait for an appointment for a vaccination, said Michaela Wlattnig, spokesperson for the Working Group of Patient and Care Advocates.

Overcrowded waiting rooms
"It would make sense to offer the vaccination not only at the doctor's, where the waiting rooms are overcrowded, but also in pharmacies," said Peter Kostelka from the Pensioners' Association. According to the Seniors' Council, all recommended vaccinations should be free of charge. "Not vaccinating doesn't save any costs, but causes additional ones." For Seniors' Association President Ingrid Korosec, vaccinations must be free, voluntary and low-threshold. She sees the sometimes long journeys to doctors' surgeries in rural areas as a further obstacle.

Medical Association: Improve conditions
The Medical Association acknowledges the points of criticism, but instead advocates better conditions in surgeries. Vaccines should be allowed to be stored directly in surgeries, said Johannes Steinhart, President of the Austrian Medical Association. According to surveys, the majority of the population is also in favor of only "fully trained medical staff" vaccinating. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) has already signaled support for a possible legal basis so that vaccinations could be administered in pharmacies.