Green light for vaccines against pneumococcus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and HPV in Lombardy pharmacies. Thanks to a new resolution approved by the Lombardy Regional Council at the proposal of the Welfare Councillor, Guido Bertolaso, the vaccination offerings in Lombardy pharmacies are significantly expanding. This initiative aims to make health prevention more accessible and widespread throughout the region, allowing the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine in all Lombardy Health Protection Agencies (ATS) through an agreement with Federfarma Lombardia and Assofarm/Confservizi Lombardia. Additionally, pharmacies will also be able to administer vaccines against diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough (DTP) and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The administration of vaccines can occur in three ways: under the National Health Service (SSN) at no cost for those meeting regional criteria; through co-payment with partial costs borne by the citizen; or through full payment. Pharmacies will need to inform users about the options for free or reduced access. Participation by pharmacies is voluntary, and operational procedures will be maintained to ensure the safety and traceability of vaccinations. With an estimated annual expenditure of around €600,000 and the potential to involve 40,000 individuals by March 31, 2028, Councillor Bertolaso emphasized the importance of this project in strengthening the role of pharmacies as the “front office” of the Lombardy Health System in the effort to increase vaccination coverage.
