The exemption applies only to vaccination administered on-site at the pharmacy. It does not permit the vaccine to be supplied without a prescription for take-home use or for administration elsewhere.

Professional Service with Patient Safety as a Priority

Pharmacies intending to offer vaccination services must have received confirmation from the Directorate of Health that the service meets professional standards and other requirements under health legislation. Vaccinations must be administered by pharmacists or nurses who hold the necessary authorizations and have received appropriate training.The Icelandic Medicines Agency places particular emphasis on ensuring that vaccination services do not compromise the provision of professional pharmaceutical care in pharmacies.Staffing levels and service organization must ensure sufficient capacity for the safe dispensing of medicines, the provision of advice on their use, and the delivery of other statutory services to the public.

Exemption Subject to Review if Necessary

The exemption will remain in force for one year, provided that all of its conditions continue to be met. It may be reviewed, among other reasons, if the bill currently before the Althingi, which addresses, among other matters, pharmacists’ prescribing authority for vaccines, is adopted.In addition, the exemption may be revoked for individual pharmacies if they no longer meet the requirements for providing vaccination services under their agreement with Icelandic Health Insurance.The exemption applies to Influvac, suspension for injection in a pre-filled syringe, and is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of the Medicines Act No. 100/2020.