Puugid ründavad: kas sinu kaitse puukentsefaliidi vastu on piisav?

Pharmacies in Estonia are increasingly providing vaccination services to the public. These services are administered by trained nurses, although the staff do not possess the authority to prescribe vaccines. Currently, pharmacies are administering vaccines for non-communicable diseases, including Japanese encephalitis (puukentsefaliidi) and HPV.

Data from 2025 indicates that approximately 15% of Japanese encephalitis vaccinations took place within pharmacy settings. Despite this expansion of access points, the vaccination coverage rate in Estonia for non-communicable diseases remains below the average observed across the European Union. While public awareness regarding infectious diseases and preventative measures has increased in recent years, the availability of vaccines for necessary protection is not reaching a sufficient number of individuals when required.

The accessibility provided by pharmacies represents a positive development in public health infrastructure, allowing easier access to immunization. However, the data highlights a persistent gap between increased awareness and actual uptake. Ensuring that the population receives timely vaccination—such as protection against Japanese encephalitis (puukentsefaliidi) or other preventable illnesses—remains a key public health challenge.

The continued role of pharmacies in offering these services is crucial for enhancing national immunity and maintaining robust levels of community protection.

Topics: #puukentsefaliidi #vastu #kaitse