Vaccines and special-risk population groups

While vaccines are recommended for almost everyone, there are specific groups of people who may be particularly vulnerable to severe forms of vaccine-preventable diseases. Their health conditions may increase the risk of developing complications requiring hospitalisation, developing secondary illnesses or even dying. Therefore, it is imperative to actively promote vaccination to those groups to ensure that they receive all the vaccines that are suitable for their age and clinical situation. Pharmacists can play an important role in promoting and advocating vaccination to these groups by leveraging their accessibility, expertise and trust by the population. Their frequent interactions with the public provide valuable opportunities to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination.

Pregnant individuals

This video highlights the main benefits of vaccination, and which vaccines are recommended for pregnant individuals. 

22 February 2023

Physiological changes associated with pregnancy can potentially lead to severe complications like inadequate fetus size for gestational age, premature birth, and increased mortality of both the pregnant person and the neonate. When pregnant individuals are vaccinated, they create antibodies that are transmitted to the fetus. Often, this immunity will protect the infant until they are old enough to receive vaccines themselves.

Among the different special-risk population groups for vaccine-preventable diseases, people that are pregnant have particular vaccination needs that will be highlighted at this event. Pharmacists can play a key role in raising awareness of the importance of vaccination among this population group.
Moderator:
- Rúben Viegas, Practice Development and Transformation Projects Coordinator, FIP

Panellists
- Pat O'Brien,  Chair, Vaccine Committee of the RCOG & RCM, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - UK
- Natalie Gauld, Consultant,  Natalie Gauld Ltd - New Zealand