French citizens and preventive exams

Three out of four French citizens say they are undergoing preventive health examinations, according to the STADA 2026 report, presented by Florence Masson, communication manager at EG Labo, during the second laboratory meeting. The report highlights how these initiatives can influence long-term health behaviors, even though more prevention does not always lead to more visits to pharmacies.

Role of pharmacists in prevention

David Syr, general director of GERSData, argues that patients need clear reasons to visit their pharmacists, even as prevention efforts may reduce the number of people needing medication. He suggests that regular visits, not just those tied to prescriptions, can help build trust and maintain a consistent relationship between patients and pharmacists.

Preference for in-person interaction

French citizens strongly favor in-person interaction with their pharmacists, with 74% preferring face-to-face exchanges compared to an average of 67% across other countries in the STADA report. This preference for direct contact can be a foundation for providing health advice, but it requires that patients understand what services the pharmacy can offer them.

Vaccination and pharmacy sales

Vaccination efforts highlight the complexity of measuring prevention success. In the first 35 weeks of 2026, vaccine sales in pharmacies increased by 8.4% in value but decreased by 1.3% in volume compared to the same period in 2025. This suggests that while financial growth is evident, the actual number of vaccines sold has declined, indicating a need for sustained engagement with patients throughout the year.

Sustaining engagement and dialogue

Syr emphasizes that a single mission or initiative in a pharmacy is not enough to create a lasting reason for patients to visit. Continuous outreach and awareness are needed to ensure that patients recognize the value of these services and feel comfortable discussing their health needs. This requires that all pharmacy staff know how to identify potential patients and initiate meaningful conversations.