2023-11-01 15:35:51
Citizens will not be able to get the flu vaccine today without a medical prescription as the platform is closed due to… paperwork!
Despite the assurances weeks ago from Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidakis about the perfection of the specific process, the system is not ready!
In fact, at the time the Ministry of Health… is proud of the digital infrastructure it implements in the field of health, due to bureaucracy, the necessary procedures have not been completed in order to start the vaccination by simply showing the AMKA by the citizen to the pharmacist.
According to valid information from the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, a new legislative provision is required (for 2023-2024) in order to be implemented for this year as was the case last year with Article 59 of Law 5007/23.12.23 “Adult Influenza Vaccination” population during the period 2022-2023″.
This provision will essentially give the “green light” to pharmacists to start flu vaccination, without a medical prescription for the four conventional vaccines. It is noted that a medical prescription is needed for the two innovations that will be made by those over 60 years old.
After the passage of the relevant provision by the Parliament, the platform will be opened and pharmacists will be able to register the flu vaccines without a prescription in the electronic system of the Electronic Governance of Social Security S.A. (EDIKA).
It is emphasized that HDIKA has already implemented the interconnection of pharmacy programs with the platform of the National Immunization Registry.
When will the article be voted on?
According to reliable information, the vote on this article is expected to take place on Thursday, (barring the unexpected) however, the pharmacists “charge” this delay to the Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidakis stressing that: “The Deputy Minister should anticipate the legislative regulation” cite authoritative sources on topontiki.gr and add: “He should have foreseen at least 15 days before, so that the article has already been voted as both the platform and all the country’s pharmacy programs are ready to start the flu vaccination without a prescription”.
However, the Deputy Minister of Health in the Press Release that was sent stated that it will start at the beginning of November, however the citizens were informed that it starts today, November 1st, without the Ministry giving clarifications.
It is noted that the attendance of citizens over 60 years old at the pharmacies for the flu vaccination is not high, due to the good weather conditions that still prevail. However, both the Ministry of Health and pharmacists recommend mainly to vulnerable groups (chronic sufferers, pregnant women, etc.) not to delay getting the vaccine as it takes at least 15 days for the immunization.
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