VACCINES alone do not save lives. Vaccination does.
Yet in the Philippines, inadequate medical facilities, a shortage of healthcare workers, and loss of income due to long hospital queues make accessing preventive care a persistent challenge. Addressing these gaps requires innovative solutions that bring healthcare closer to the people — and Filipino pharmacists are stepping up to the challenge.
At the 2nd Philippine Society of Pharmacist Vaccinators (PSPV) National Conference, healthcare leaders celebrated pharmacists' role in improving vaccine accessibility and tackling long-standing healthcare inequities. As the first country in Asia to authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines, the Philippines is taking a bold step toward bringing preventive care to those who need it most.
"Pharmacists are considered the most accessible health professionals," said Hazel Docuyanan, president of the PSPV. "Considering the numerous pharmacies nationwide, the pharmacy-based immunization strategy can bring better healthcare access to the public."
Traditionally confined to behind-the-counter responsibilities, Filipino pharmacists are taking a greater role in safeguarding public health. They are now recognized as critical players in primary care, trained and certified to administer vaccines, right at the drug stores.
Adults can now visit their local pharmacies to get the jab from a Certified Pharmacist Vaccinator for vaccines such as Covid-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, and Human papillomavirus (HPV). The process is straightforward: patients can walk into their local pharmacy, provide a prescription, and receive their vaccine on-site. These pharmacies are staffed with trained professionals who can screen, educate, vaccinate, and recommend follow-ups for high-risk individuals.
At present, over 1,400 Certified Pharmacist Vaccinators are ready to serve communities across the country, with their numbers continuously expanding to enhance public health coverage. This forward-thinking approach to public health ensures that no Filipino is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
Public trust and a commitment to service are top priorities for Philippine pharmacists. Beyond their four-year degree and licensure exams, they undergo rigorous training and certification to qualify as pharmacist vaccinators. Efforts are also underway to integrate immunization training into school curriculums, ensuring that the next generation of pharmacists is well-equipped for this expanded role.
"Certification is required before a pharmacist can vaccinate," explained Docuyanan. "This involves supplementary training, final assessments by authorized bodies like PSPV, and official recognition by the Philippine Regulatory Commission. This rigorous process not only ensures pharmacists are qualified but also reflects their dedication to providing safe and reliable care to every patient they serve."
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of pharmacists across the Philippines already took on the mantle of administering life-saving vaccines, ensuring accessibility even in underserved areas. As healthcare systems were stretched, they not only administered vaccines but also addressed vaccine hesitancy and guided communities through the process — proving their essential contribution to public health, even during times of crisis.
Plans are underway to further increase the number of certified pharmacist vaccinators all over the Philippines to enable Filipinos to have options to access adult vaccinations such as for Covid-19, flu, pneumonia and HPV (anti-cervical and other HPV-related cancers) in their nearest community and hospital pharmacies.
However, achieving this requires strong collaboration between the government, pharmacists, regulatory bodies, and other healthcare professionals. Such a unified effort will ensure that the expansion is safe, effective, and capable of meeting the needs of diverse populations while upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery.
Pharmacist Vaccinators bridge the gap between availability and action. It's about turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world health outcomes. By bringing vaccines closer to communities through pharmacy-based immunization, more Filipinos can access equitable healthcare.
Visit your local pharmacy to learn more about the vaccines they offer, such as Covid-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, and HPV. A Pharmacist Vaccinator can guide you through the process and help you take a proactive step toward better health.