Sto help doctors and increase vaccination coverage for adults, such is the dual objective of the new national pharmaceutical agreement which, since November 7, has authorized pharmacists to administer all types of vaccines and boosters.
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This is one more skill for the profession, and an important change for patients, believes Matthieu Saulnier, pharmacist in Nanterre: “They were obliged to go to the doctor, to have a prescription, to come back to get the medicine and then to make another appointment, which meant a lot of consultations for not necessarily a proven medical benefit. Now, pharmacies will be able to participate in this effort.”
“The advantage is that patients may waste less time or be treated more quickly.”
Matthieu Saulnier, pharmacist in Nanterreat franceinfo
Until then, pharmacists could vaccinate against the flu and Covid-19. The list now expands to 14 new vaccines. “The most important in prescription vaccines, says Matthieu Saulnier, [sont] papillomavirus, all tetanus, whooping cough, polio booster vaccines, hepatitis boosters, [ce ont] the main ones that we see on a daily basis”.
Thus, according to the website of the College of Pharmacists, “in addition to the vaccines against seasonal influenza which they already administer, authorized pharmacists are authorized to administer, on medical prescription of the product, vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, whooping cough, human papillomaviruses, infections pneumococcal infections, hepatitis A and B viruses, meningococci of serogroups A, B, C, Y and W and against rabies.
These injections in pharmacies will be reserved for patients over 16 years of age. “It avoids waiting too long with the doctors, judge Lili, client of the Nantes pharmacy. Already, you have to have the appointment. Then, wait in the waiting room, whereas there, it’s quite fast.” François, another client, agrees: “I totally agree. I think it’s a very good idea. In addition, it will save money because it means less doctor’s visit”. Each vaccination will be charged 7.50 euros by the pharmacist.
In the coming months, pharmacists should also be able to prescribe these vaccines themselves. They are just waiting for the green light from Parliament.