The flu vaccination campaign began on October 15. Timidly. As the circulation of influenza viruses is low, the number of vaccinations is 16% lower than last year: “ This represents 600,000 fewer doses,” explains Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the USPO, out of a total of 3.1 million doses injected over the past two weeks. However, pharmacists perform better than other health professionals since they record a “decrease of only 4% compared to 2023 », adds the manager. However, he issues an alert: “ It is those over 65 who have been vaccinated less at the moment. We must therefore act quickly, because these are people at risk. » To be effective, the flu vaccine must be administered 15 days before the start of the epidemic.
Intelligent management software to identify patients who need vaccination
Pierre-Olivier Variot therefore calls on the State to launch a communication campaign on the importance of vaccination as soon as possible. “ We don’t talk enough about the dangers of the flu; there are nearly 10,000 deaths per year. The campaigns are too watered down for everyone to understand that it is necessary to be vaccinated. » On the front line, people suffering from chronic illnesses, pregnant women and those over 65. “ We too, pharmacists, have our role to play. It is important that we talk about vaccination to patients who come through the door of our pharmacy. », he adds. But it is not always easy to know who to talk to first, hence the idea put forward by the trade unionist: “ Our pharmacy management software could help us identify people who are still not vaccinated. It would be good if we had “pop-up” type alerts for priority profiles, when these people come to the counter. »
Morocco
