Delphine Schiltz / Photo credits: PEAKSTOCK / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRAR / LDA / Science Photo Library via AFP
modified to
06:50, August 30, 2023
Since the beginning of August, you no longer need to go to a doctor first for a vaccine. The novelty: pharmacists can both prescribe and administer the vaccine. The objective of the measure is to improve vaccination coverage and relieve congestion in medical practices where it is sometimes very difficult to obtain an appointment. On a few conditions though.
The measure only applies to those over 11 years old. For the youngest, you still need a prescription from a GP or pediatrician. But it is a new offer hailed by patients. “Beyond making appointments, there is a lot of waiting. It can help relieve congestion and make it easier to make appointments. I’m all for it,” rejoices a patient. Another adds: “Going to the doctor is a procedure, it’s far. The pharmacy is next to the office. In five minutes, it’s done, it’s great.”
Address the young adult audience
On the list, all the classic vaccines such as those against whooping cough, measles, hepatitis B, in addition to vaccines against influenza and Covid-19. The objective is to improve the vaccination coverage of populations which do not always have the reflex.
“Initially, we will address the population of young adults in particular, mainly working people. If you are in good health, you do not necessarily go to the doctor. And so, until then, we will not was not really able to make an inventory of your vaccinations”, explains Bruno Maleine of the National Order of Pharmacists.
Pharmacists are being trained, but within a few weeks, ten thousand pharmacies out of the 60,000 existing ones will begin to vaccinate. Since the publication of the decree in early August, nurses and midwives can also prescribe and vaccinate.