On Tuesday, the Chamber of Pharmacists again called for vaccinations to be offered in their area (see video above). This could increase the vaccination rate among the population, argued chamber chairman Ulrike Mursch-Edlmayr. This is evident from international comparisons.
In addition, vaccination in pharmacies also leads to a greater willingness to vaccinate in the doctor’s office. More than 2,000 pharmacists have received training based on the international model with a theoretical and practical part, according to Mursch-Edlmayr. However, the offer requires a legal basis.
Support for this care comes from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the Senior Citizens’ Council and the Patient Advocate. Vaccination is easily accessible in pharmacies and the price is also an important issue. In doctors’ practices, you sometimes have to wait a long time for an appointment for a vaccination, says spokeswoman for the patient and nurse working group Michaela Wlattnig.
Overcrowded waiting rooms
“It makes sense to offer the vaccination not only at the doctor, where the waiting rooms are overcrowded, but also in pharmacies,” says Peter Kostelka of the pensioners’ association. According to the Senior Citizens Council, all recommended vaccinations should be free. “Not vaccinating does not save costs, but causes additional costs.” For chairman Ingrid Korosec, vaccinations should be free, voluntary and easily accessible. She sees the sometimes long journeys in the countryside as an additional obstacle for medical practice.
Medical Association: Improve conditions
The medical association takes note of the criticism, but instead calls for better conditions for ordinations. Vaccines should be allowed to be stored directly in practices, says Johannes Steinhart, president of the Austrian Medical Association. According to surveys, the majority of the population is in favor of only “fully trained medical personnel” being vaccinated. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) has already expressed support for a possible legal basis so that vaccinations can be administered in pharmacies.
Source: Krone
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