Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
It’s that time of year again for immunizations to ramp up as we enter the height of COVID-19 and influenza season. September of each year brings increased focus on prevention of these infections through vaccination. And pharmacists are now well established as key members of the immunization community.
A 2023 report from the Global Healthy Living Foundation found that pharmacists in the United States administered more routine vaccinations—including influenza and COVID-19—than physicians from 2020 to 2021. Approximately 60% of influenza vaccinations given during this time were administered in pharmacies.
This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story takes a close look at the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccine landscape. This year, CDC’s ACIP recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receive an updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, with most patients recommended to get this year’s influenza vaccine as well. Pharmacists should shore up for potential vaccine hesitancy in patients who are growing weary of repeat vaccinations. Pharmacists should also keep in mind that vaccine equity continues to be a challenge, with most patients of color being significantly less likely to receive an influenza vaccine. Get more details on this year’s vaccination schedule recommendations in this article.
You’ll also find the latest on new and approved drugs, tips on treating and preventing warts, and recent FDA warnings on psychedelic ‘shroom products. Learn more on the potential role of pharmacists in optimizing the use of continuous glucose monitoring, get an update on cost-effectiveness of biosimilars, and catch up on your CPE credit with this month’s article on interdisciplinary collaboration for hearing health.
Pharmacists can go a long way to combat vaccine hesitancy and disparities by bringing vaccines to their communities—in churches, synagogues, and health fairs, and especially in rural areas and underserved communities, where vaccination rates are lower. One thing we know for sure is that pharmacists are most likely to encounter patients who need immunizations. According to Jacinda Abdul-Mutakabbir, PharmD, at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, “[Pharmacists] are by far the most accessible health care provider. We need to lean into that.”
Have a great Today! ■