Three professional medical associations of pharmacists in Latvia have appealed to the factions of the Saeima, urging them not to support the initiative to amend the Law on Epidemiological Safety, which prohibits pharmacists from administering vaccinations in pharmacies.
Associations emphasize the importance of maintaining existing regulations that allow pharmacists to participate in providing vaccination services in pharmacies, as this is crucial for improving health levels and prevention, as well as for increasing the accessibility of vaccination in Latvia.
It is noted that changing regulations at a time when vaccination coverage in Latvia is still insufficient, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly, would be unwise. After all, the overall goal of the healthcare system is to increase vaccination coverage, improve access to services, and strengthen the health of the population.
The associations point out that pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals, as pharmacies operate in both cities and regions, often in areas with limited access to other medical services. Furthermore, pharmacy hours are often longer and more flexible compared to appointments with family doctors.
According to representatives of the associations, involving pharmacists in vaccination could relieve family doctors and ensure timely vaccination for a larger number of people. Additionally, expanding the role of pharmacists could help address staffing issues in the healthcare system, especially in regions with a shortage of specialists and high workloads.
The associations refer to international experience, indicating that vaccination by pharmacists is already widely practiced in 16 EU countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia.
In countries where this service has been implemented, there has been a significant increase in vaccination coverage and improved access to services. The associations also note that the World Health Organization has emphasized the need to include such programs in healthcare systems to strengthen prevention strategies.
In Latvia, only specially trained pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccinations in pharmacies.
Currently, 67 pharmacists in Latvia have undergone special training to administer the Covid-19 vaccine, and the associations believe that this resource could be immediately utilized in the event of epidemics or other public health crises.
The Latvian Association of Family Doctors and the Latvian Medical Society oppose this, arguing that pharmacists are not medical professionals and that performing procedures outside medical institutions contradicts the Health Care Law.
