Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality. Yet vaccination coverage, particularly among adults, remains below recommended targets in many countries. Existing literature shows that recommendations from healthcare providers are one of the strongest drivers of vaccine acceptance and uptake.
To support pharmacists in this role, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has launched a new toolkit and accompanying infographic on vaccination communication. The toolkit focuses on three key areas of communication: Pharmacist-patient, pharmacist-public, and pharmacists-other healthcare professionals communication.
“Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and are one of the first points of contact for people seeking advice about vaccines,” said Ms Nisa Masyitah, FIP Data and Intelligence Manager. “Effective communication skills are therefore essential for improving vaccine uptake, and this toolkit provides practical guidance to support pharmacists in having those conversations with confidence.”
The resource covers key aspects of vaccination communication, including screening and counselling for individuals, addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and strengthening interprofessional collaboration. It also highlights population groups eligible for vaccination, including infants and children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, as well as special-risk groups such as people living with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
The toolkit also aligns with FIP Development Goal 16, which emphasises expanding the role of the pharmacy workforce in the prevention, surveillance, and management of communicable diseases.
