The Gazette | Pharmacies apply vaccines against flu and even dengue in ES

Pharmacies in Espírito Santo are diversifying to go beyond selling traditional medicines. Some establishments were already offering injections, simple exams and nursing services, but now they are also offering various types of vaccines, such as flu and dengue, competing for space with private clinics.

In the case of immunizations against Influenza, prices are between R$74.90 and R$79.90 in pharmacies, while in clinics they cost between R$90 and R$120, according to a price survey carried out by The Gazette.

Another new product in drugstores is Efluelda, a vaccine that promises more protection against the flu and is aimed at the elderly, on sale for R$219.90. In clinics, the price varies from R$265 to R$300.

According to the financial director of the Espírito Santo Regional Pharmacy Council (CRF-ES), Marcos Rogério Fonseca Pedro, pharmacies are becoming true health hubs, offering simple glucose tests and even teleconsultations. With the inclusion of vaccination, these businesses will compete more to serve patients with services that are not currently offered by the Unified Health System (SUS).

The flu vaccine, for example, applied in the public system is the trivalent one, which protects against two strains of Influenza A and one of B. In health centers, it is available for children aged 6 months to under 6 years and elderly people over 60 years old, in addition to some priority groups. Tetravalent or quadrivalent can be taken by anyone over 6 months old. It prevents flu caused by four strains, two from A and two from B, and is only available in the private network.

The dengue vaccine can also be found in pharmacies, for R$ 349.90, each dose. Although it is already in health centers, the vaccine is currently only applied to specific groups, such as children and adolescents aged 10 to 14.

“The intention is to expand services to facilitate access for the population. With pharmacies on every corner, we can offer screening and improve access for patients. Reducing the crowding in hospitals with services that could be solved in the pharmacy”, explains Pedro, to add that it was federal law 13,021, of August 8, 2014, that allowed the expansion of activities.

The manager of Santa Mais Vacinas, the health hub of the Santa Lúcia Drugstores network, Yuri Fernandes, observed that people have been accepting vaccinations in pharmacies, especially vaccinations aimed at adults. And he highlighted that the service offered by the pharmacy includes home vaccinations, a call center via WhatsApp to clarify doubts and monitor adverse effects, as well as payment terms in up to 10 interest-free installments.

“Today, the pharmacy is able to compete in all aspects with private clinics, mainly in terms of quality of service. The pharmaceutical market has been undergoing transformations. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to adapt to these changes”, says Yuri Fernandes.

Understand the differences between flu vaccines

Tetravalent: It is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age, especially those at higher risk for respiratory infections, which can develop complications and a severe form of the disease. Protects against two subtypes of Influenza A and two of Influenza B. It only exists in the private network.

Trivalent: is offered by SUS. Protects against three strains of flu. The application, so far, is aimed at children under 6 years old and at least 6 months old, as well as elderly people over 60 years old and some priority groups.

Efluelda: It is quadrivalent and protects against two strains of Influenza A and two of B. It presents four times more antigens than the common tetravalent vaccine. It is aimed at seniors.

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