Coberturas vacunales y farmacia comunitaria: ¿un binomio estratégicamente necesario y operativamente factible?

This article aims to analyze the existing information on the suitability and effectiveness of the community pharmacy in the shared management of vaccination strategies on population at risk, especially against seasonal influenza, which have developed in different countries around us. Although the real impact of this integration presents different results, mainly due to the fact that its implementation is carried out in health systems of different models and presents different approaches and designs that must be taken into account in its evaluation, the conclusion that can be reached is that the inclusion of the community pharmacist developing the functions of educator, facilitator or administrator of certain types of vaccines (anti-flu or pneumococcal, for example), increases vaccination coverage when compared to traditional models that integrate us. Being, in addition, highly positive the experience of the users of these services, integrated in a collaborative way with other centers or health actors. However, the integration of the community pharmacist in strategic and operational planning to increase vaccine coverage must clearly respond to specific needs based on local epidemiological data. And be closely coordinated with the Health Plans or the agendas of the National Public Health Agencies. This is the only way to take full advantage of the strengths and capabilities of community pharmacists in an approach that maximizes the effectiveness of their actions.