Immunization Update
Loren Bonner
During ACIP’s September 2025 meeting, members voted not to support a universal COVID-19 vaccine recommendation going forward. Patients can make individual decisions—with the help of their provider—on whether to receive the vaccine, and pharmacies will remain a critical access point for vaccination.
Since these updates were announced, several states have made changes to ensure vaccine access through pharmacies.
As of September 22, 2025, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported that 26 states have moved to allow pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to maintain access as federal guidelines narrow.
“Most adults get vaccinated at pharmacies, including for COVID-19, and pharmacies in general have become an important access point for vaccination across the United States,” wrote authors of a September 24, 2025, KFF report. “Pharmacists’ scope of practice, including the authority to prescribe and administer vaccines, is regulated at the state level and is typically tied in law or regulation to CDC/ACIP recommendations. Because of changes at the federal level, some states have acted to explicitly authorize pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines, and in some cases, other vaccines, without a prescription.”
Additionally, most large insurers and government officials said coverage will continue for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of CDC’s sign off of ACIP’s recommendations.
More about shared decision making
Pharmacists are within CDC’s definition of a provider who can perform shared clinical decision making with patients. Pharmacists take on a greater role in educating patients, parents, and caregivers to determine whether the vaccine is necessary.
Besides pharmacists, other providers—per CDC—who can perform shared clinical decision making with patients include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses.
For more about shared clinical decision making, vaccines, and updated immunization schedules—including printable versions—please visit APhA’s resource page: www.pharmacist.com/practice/public-health-resources. ■
APhA has an entire immunization center available to pharmacists
From practice resources and education to APhA’s Vaccine Confident initiative, the tools here can help pharmacists stay informed—and excel as immunizers. The Ask an Expert tool can even tailor recommendations from experts to any immunization practice setting. Visit pharmacist.com/immunization-center to access the immunization center. ■
Q&A with new ACIP member, pharmacist Hillary Blackburn
What was your reaction to being selected as an ACIP member?
I was both honored and humbled. I felt called to serve with humility and an open mind—bringing both my pharmacist training and my perspective as a parent.
What would you like other pharmacists to know about you?
I’ve had the privilege of working across a wide range of pharmacy settings—hospital, community, specialty, health plans, and charitable care. Through this, I’ve developed a deep commitment to improving medication access and reducing barriers for underserved populations. I’m also a big believer in leadership development and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on the CDC’s advisory committee. As a pharmacist, mom, and health care leader, I’ve administered hundreds of vaccines and understand both the science and the questions that many families have. My focus will be on listening, reviewing the evidence thoroughly, and bringing a thoughtful, open-minded perspective to the committee. I value hearing from colleagues and the public, and I appreciate the chance to represent both the pharmacist’s voice and the patient and parent perspective.
Why do you think it’s important for ACIP to have a pharmacist member?
Pharmacists are among the most accessible health care providers, and our profession plays a central role in vaccine delivery—administering the majority of adult vaccines in the United States. Having a pharmacist voice at the ACIP table ensures that practical considerations around access, administration, and patient communication are represented alongside clinical and epidemiologic perspectives.
What motivates you in the everyday work you do as a pharmacist?
I’m driven by the belief that access to medications—including vaccines—should not depend on someone’s ZIP code or income. Seeing the impact of pharmacy-led programs on patients’ lives, especially those most vulnerable, motivates me to keep pushing for sustainable, innovative solutions.
What do you want colleagues to know about the behind the scenes of being an ACIP member?
I’m reassured through onboarding to see how seriously conflicts of interest are taken—there are strict requirements to avoid any ties to pharmaceutical companies through stock holdings, honoraria, or other financial connections. There’s so much more to consider than what the headlines capture, and navigating the intersection of clinical recommendations with access and payment has already been eye-opening.
What do you hope to contribute to this committee going forward?
I want to bring a balanced, thoughtful perspective. My goal is to ask questions, elevate considerations around access and implementation, and ensure that patients and providers on the front lines are represented in the decision-making process.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for the support of colleagues and mentors who encouraged me to step into this role. I’m also incredibly grateful to APhA for their support in helping me prepare for this role—both through informational resources and connecting me with subject matter experts. That collaboration has been invaluable. I also want pharmacists to see this as a win for the profession—it’s recognition of the important role we play in public health. ■