Cabinet backs pharmacy vaccinations despite doctors’ objections

Austria’s Ministerial Council has approved plans to allow vaccinations in pharmacies, drawing support from the Styrian Chamber of Pharmacists and criticism from the Styrian Medical Chamber, ORF reported.

Pharmacists are expected to administer vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis, whooping cough, tetanus-diphtheria and hepatitis B. The measure is intended to increase vaccination rates. People aged 14 and over will be eligible.

Claudia Fuchsbichler, president of the Styrian Chamber of Pharmacists, said 500 to 600 pharmacists in the province had completed theoretical and practical training, with some having refreshed their qualifications. Vaccinations are planned for areas of pharmacies where tests are currently carried out. The chamber said pharmacy vaccinations are already common in many countries.

General practitioner Neshad Quitt of the Styrian Medical Chamber called the plan an overreach and raised safety concerns. She said vaccination requires individual assessment and advice, and argued that existing medical services should be strengthened rather than parallel structures created.

Consultation on the proposed legislation is due to begin on Wednesday. The first pharmacy vaccinations are expected at the start of the next tick season in spring.