Vaccinations in pharmacies

Injection dispute enters the next round

(Bild: P. Huber)

Another push: in view of low vaccination rates, the Minister of Health, the Chamber of Pharmacists and ÖGK and others are demanding that the more than 2,000 pharmacists trained for this purpose should also be allowed to give injections. The ÖVP and the Medical Association are strictly opposed to this. 

Austria is tired of vaccinations. This was the topic of discussion yesterday at an event organized by the Chamber of Pharmacists, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), patient advocates and senior citizens' representatives. A broad phalanx advocating vaccination by pharmacists. There is prominent backing from Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), who was absent yesterday due to illness.

"It is an international success story," argued Ulrike Mursch-Edlmayr, President of the Chamber of Pharmacists, in favor of vaccination by her guild. ÖGK Vice-Chairman Andreas Huss said that it was only a matter of time before resistance to it broke down.

The Minister of Health is taking the side of pharmacists - and thus opposing his coalition partner.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Minister also in favor of the sting in pharmacies
More than 2000 pharmacists have been trained in vaccination according to international standards and this is also recognized by the vaccination committee. When asked, Rauch's ministry said that it very much hoped that an agreement in favor of pharmacies would be reached soon.

What is the political problem, as the issue has been on hold for a long time? The answer is the coalition partner. The ÖVP. The ÖVP would block it and so the issue would be postponed again and again in the health committee.

Chancellor's party supports the doctors
According to the experience of the patient and care advocacy group, doctors' surgeries are unable to offer sufficient low-threshold services. This is also a reason for the low vaccination rates, says ÖGK boss Huss. But where does the general vaccination skepticism and fatigue come from? "It certainly has something to do with coronavirus and the associated misinformation from various sectors," says Rauch's ministry.

Medical association sticks to monopoly
This is why comprehensive vaccination campaigns have been launched. The Medical Association, however, insists on its monopoly on injections. When asked by the "Krone", Chamber President Johannes Steinhart said. "Vaccination, which is also a medical activity for good reason, is far more than just a jab." It is also about dealing with patients, about quality. Steinhart's colleague Rudolf Schmitzberger agrees.

"If you are ill, you want to be treated by a doctor. And not by someone who has done a crash course in vaccinations." Instead, the chamberlain would like to see more free services, for example for children's vaccination programs. Or the elimination of co-payments.  

Not a lack of opportunities, but a lack of willingness?
ÖVP health spokesperson Josef Smolle is on the side of the Medical Association. "Pharmacists do a great job. But further training is needed for vaccinations and shock reactions can occur," says Smolle, himself a doctor. In addition, there is not a lack of vaccination opportunities in Austria, but a lack of willingness to vaccinate. Given these controversial points of view, an amicable agreement seems a long way off.