Health reform: Vaccination without a doctor - More powers for pharmacies annoy the medical profession
Since this summer, pharmacies are allowed to vaccinate more, take blood and, in certain cases, dispense prescription medication without a prescription. Medical professionals warn of the consequences.
In Berlin, the German government has introduced a law allowing pharmacists in pharmacies to provide a wider range of health services, including vaccines, without the need for a doctor's prescription. This move, known as the "Apothekenversorgung-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz" (ApoVWG), aims to address the shortage of doctors, with thousands of vacant family doctor positions and many nearing retirement.
Nina Warken, a former health minister, sees this as a response to the doctor shortage, stating that distributing responsibilities to more healthcare professionals is crucial for maintaining healthcare services. Pharmacists will now be able to offer vaccinations against various diseases, such as tetanus and FSME, in addition to flu and coronavirus vaccines.
They will require additional training and a dedicated treatment space, and will also be able to collect blood samples to test the effectiveness of certain medications.
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