Influenza : pharmacists can immunize in two regions

MARK LENNIHAN/AP/SIPA

Published the 07.10.2017 at 11h06

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The vaccination campaign 2017-2018 seasonal flu is open. For the winter of 2016-2017, less than one French in two (46 %) had been vaccinated. A coverage enough to protect the most fragile people. The ministry of Health and public Health France are trying to make the climb, with different strategies.

This year, the regional agency of health (ARS) of the regions Auvergne, Rhone-Alps and New-Aquitaine launch an experiment, for three years. Pharmacists will be able to vaccinate people presenting with a good vaccination or a prescription from their doctor. The act of vaccination was, until now, not allowed.

One-third of the pharmacists involved

“In Auvergne, Rhône-Alpes, about 2 000 pharmacists are registered with the ARS, including 500 in the Rhône department,” said Veronique Nouri, president of the Federation of trade unions pharmaceutical Rhone (FSPF69), a department which has 585 stores. This represents about a third of the professionals in the department.

Pharmacists interested in the experiment had to follow a one-day training, in order to be informed about the regulatory details, including the material conditions of reception of patients, which will be received in a closed room, isolated from the pharmacy.

Doctors have also pointed to the gesture and vaccination the recommendations of the examination. Pharmacists should question patients about their allergies (egg and antibiotics). They will also ask if they have already been vaccinated against the flu.

Because it is one of the conditions of the permission to vaccinate. Pharmacists will be able to make the injection to people who have already been immunized in the past, during a previous campaign.