International Pharmaceutical Federation

Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global organisation representing over 5.5 million pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide.
We commend the progress made under the Immunisation Agenda 2030; however, vaccine inequity, misinformation, not allowing pharmacy-based vaccination and disruptions to immunisation services continue to threaten global health gains. Millions of children and vulnerable populations remain under-immunised or unvaccinated.
Pharmacists, as one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, are essential to the provision of vaccination services, from prescription to administration, supply chain management and public education, including addressing vaccine hesitancy. To date, only 44 countries have authorised pharmacists to administer vaccines. We call on Member States to authorise pharmacist-based vaccination to strengthen routine immunisation systems and outreach services. We recommend integrating vaccination training programmes into undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy degrees.

Thank you for your attention.