We asked Martin Nesrsta, Media Representative and Manager for Vaccination Centres, how Avenier is managing the high demand for hepatitis A vaccines and vaccines in general. We discussed how Avenier ensures deliveries to clinics and vaccination centres and how the logistics are handled.
How are you addressing the current hepatitis A outbreak and the vaccine shortage? What specific logistical steps are you taking to ensure availability for the most vulnerable groups at clinics and, possibly, your vaccination centres?
Our company is the largest distributor of vaccines to medical practices in the Czech Republic, so reliably meeting doctors’ demand for vaccine supplies is a significant challenge. This year, particularly in recent months, the demand for the hepatitis A vaccine has increased several-fold compared to previous years. Since the production and logistics of medicinal products are long-term processes, a sudden surge in demand requires not only local but also international cooperation. Extraordinary vaccine deliveries to one country often mean reducing deliveries to another. Our distribution centres and logistics capacity are adequate to handle extraordinary deliveries, including distributing vaccines to medical practices, with one-off deliveries ranging from hundreds to thousands of practices with current orders. Our vaccination centres represent only a small portion; vaccine availability and supply security are consistent with our entire customer base.
What new areas in the world of vaccination do you find most promising, such as needle-free applications, corporate vaccination programmes, or advancements in travel medicine?
Innovation in vaccines has accelerated significantly in recent years. New methods of vaccine delivery offer the chance to reach specific target groups better. For example, in the Czech Republic, a nasal flu vaccine for children has been available for several years. Doctors might also explore using needle-free applicators. These innovative methods have several benefits but also require care ful evaluation and decision-making by doctors, as they have their specific implications and limitations. Corporate vaccination programmes, organised and funded by employers, hold significant future potential. Currently, only a few companies have adopted a strategic approach to vaccination, usually those that send employees to high-risk areas or operate in high-risk sectors such as law enforcement, waste management, or energy. Most other companies tend to react to situations as they arise, such as last year’s whooping cough surge or this year’s hep atitis A outbreak.
This year, you have expanded the insurance-covered vaccinations at your centres. How much interest has this generated, and what benefits does it offer to patients and the healthcare system?
Reimbursed vaccinations, funded directly by health insurance companies to healthcare providers, form a significant and growing portion of the vaccination offerings. Due to economic and practical reasons, the range of these vaccines is likely to expand further, increasing accessibility for specific target groups. Providing reimbursed vaccinations enables us to maintain vaccination schedules for long-term clients while also offering additional vaccines. It also allows us to utilise our clinics’ capacity for individuals who, for various reasons, lack access to care from their registered general practitioner. Expanding the availability of reimbursed vaccinations to more outpatient doctors is a way to enhance prevention and improve health protection for the population.
What impact does the opening of a new vaccination clinic in Brno have on vaccine accessibility in the region?
The opening of a new vaccination clinic in Brno is an important step for us in increasing vaccination availability throughout the region. Until now, we have operated two clinics, both of which have been fully utilised for a long time. By expanding to three locations and optimising our operations, we can serve a broader range of individuals and decrease waiting times. As before, our booking calendars at the new clinic will be available to everyone – from those seeking routine vaccinations to travel lers needing specialised ones. The opening of the clinic thus enhances comfort, flexibility, and accessibility for the entire region.
