Vaccination rates in Slovakia could be increased by allowing pharmacies to administer jabs and by relieving legislation concerning marketing for vaccines, several experts concurred on a debate marking the European Immunisation Week in Bratislava on Tuesday.
"The system for children's vaccination is set well, with the rate of vaccination against children's infectious diseases having stabilised. However, surveys indicate that only 40 percent of the adult population want to be vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning that 60 percent don't want it. This is too high a number," said Zita Kerak Lukacova from the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry.
According to her, one problem in Slovakia is being posed by too strict legislation concerning marketing for vaccines, including education campaigns. "For example, the Czech Republic and Hungary allow co-operation with pharmaceutical companies in education on vaccination. So there's a scope to change our law on commercials," said Kerak Lukacova.
Immunologist and allergist Milos Jesenak believes that vaccination at pharmacies against flu, for example, could be possible in selected facilities after proper training of those who would administer the shots. "I wouldn't expect that this will increase the vaccination rate with flu, but it will certainly boost trust in vaccines," said Jesenak.
