- Pamela Alejandra Escalante Saavedra*
- Federal Council of Pharmacy
In this text, I explore the role of vaccination in public
health, particularly within Brazil, and the growing importance of pharmacists
in improving vaccination rates. I emphasize how crucial vaccination is for
protecting people from harmful diseases. However, I also address the issues
arising from decreasing vaccination coverage and the challenge of widespread
misinformation. Brazil’s National Immunization Program (PNI), established in
1973, was created to provide equal access to vaccines for all Brazilians. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed
inequalities in vaccine distribution and deficiencies in the PNI, such as
struggling vaccination centers and vaccine shortages.
To combat these problems and boost vaccination rates, I argue
for the importance of pharmacist-led vaccination services. Pharmacists are
essential in administering vaccines, educating the public, and tackling vaccine
hesitancy. They can also make vaccines
more accessible, especially to vulnerable groups, through community pharmacies
and vaccination campaigns.
The rise of misinformation during the pandemic highlighted the need for better communication and increased health literacy. I conclude by advocating for ongoing education, training, and collaborative efforts to optimize vaccination programs and achieve better public health outcomes for everyone.
