Slovakia implements pharmacy vaccinations amid respiratory health concerns

Health officials in Slovakia are addressing rising concerns regarding respiratory illnesses and vaccination accessibility. Infectious disease specialist Martin Novotný warns that whooping cough is being underestimated, as adults often mistake its symptoms for common viral infections. While childhood vaccinations significantly reduced cases in the past, immunity can wane over time, posing a severe risk to young children.

In a separate effort to improve public health coverage, Slovakia is introducing pharmacy-based vaccinations. Currently, less than 5.5% of the Slovak population is vaccinated against influenza. To increase these rates, the Ministry of Health has established a certification program allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines. This initiative aims to make the process faster and more accessible, following models used in other European countries.