Story 2025/11/11
Vaccinations in the pharmacy: A look behind the scenes
Vaccinations expand the duties of pharmacy staff and brings tangible benefits for the population and healthcare system – as a visit to the Amavita pharmacy in Storchengässchen in Bern shows.
Between consultations and dispensing medications, vaccination is also part of everyday life in the pharmacy – especially now in cold and influenza season. More than 340 Amavita, Sun Store and Coop Vitality pharmacies offer vaccinations. Demand has been increasing for years and the processes are well-established. During an on-site visit, I immediately got myself vaccinated against the flu and gained an insight into the day-to-day work of the pharmacy team.
Talking to the pharmacy management team
I was welcomed by the manager Velat Gecer, one of more than 850 pharmacists in the Galenica network with vaccination rights. Gecer explains: “The flu vaccination at the pharmacy is a simple and easily accessible option for many people. It can help relieve family doctor practices, reduce possible hospital stays and improve quality of life.”
Three to four vaccinations are currently administered every day in Bern’s city centre. Gecer emphasises: “Vaccination not only brings real added value for the population, it also makes our profession more versatile. Discussions with clients, advice, responsibility: All of this expands our field of activity and strengthens our role in the healtcare system.”
The helping hand in everyday life: Pharmacy assistance during vaccination
In addition to Velat Gecer, pharmacy assistant Vanessa Megert also provides regular vaccinations. In the canton of Bern, this is possible if certain conditions are met. Megert has a recognised training course and regularly takes part in refresher courses. Vaccinations are always carried out under the supervision and responsibility of a pharmacist.
For the pharmacy assistant, vaccination is more than a routine task: “I see myself as a bridge between medical information and practical implementation. Vaccination brings variety to everyday work and strengthens customer loyalty.” She emphasises the importance of the framework conditions for professional implementation: “We only vaccinate if all questions have been clarified and the customers have been comprehensively informed.”
Vaccination as a win-win for the general public and specialist staff
Vaccination in pharmacies meets an important customer need and strengthens the role of pharmacies in the healthcare system. Customers appreciate the personal and competent service in a familiar environment. At the same time, the range of vaccinations expands the day-to-day work of specialist staff: More responsibility, more intensive discussions and new tasks make work more varied and meaningful. Our pharmacy colleagues such as Velat Gecer and Vanessa Megert show just how much expertise and team spirit goes into every vaccination.
National Vaccination Week 2025
The National Vaccination Week will take place from 10 to 15 November 2025, an initiative to promote vaccinations against influenza, Covid-19 and RSV by the College of General Practitioners (KHM) in collaboration with the Swiss Medical Association (FMH), the Swiss Pharmacists’ Association (pharmaSuisse) and the FOPH. Vaccination Week replaces the previous flu vaccination day and offers bundled information and vaccination offers. Galenica and its pharmacies are part of the campaign and are using vaccination week as an opportunity to raise public awareness of the existing vaccination offering.
- Further information on the vaccination week
- Make an appointment to get vaccinated at Amavita, SunStore or Coop Vitality
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