Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen, PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
I administered my first influenza vaccine as a community pharmacy resident in 1998, the inaugural year of a pharmacy-based immunization program at Ukrop’s Supermarkets in Richmond, VA. In that first and second year, pharmacists administered ~5000 and ~18,000 influenza vaccinations, respectively, making it one of the largest chain pharmacy-based immunization programs of that era. I remember being nervous about that first shot, but also excited and extremely proud of our profession and community pharmacists in particular.
Looking back on these early experiences in light of this month’s Pharmacy Today cover story (page 18), I realize how far we have come as a profession—from pharmacy-based immunizations being the exception to the rule in the late 1990s to being commonplace today. During this unprecedented year of dual influenza and COVID-19 threats, pharmacists will continue to blaze a trail for innovation in patient care delivery. Explore this month’s cover story for the latest recommendations to get your pharmacy ready for this flu season, including requirements for pharmacist training and documentation to administer ACIP-recommended and COVID-19 vaccines, models for pharmacy curbside vaccination clinics, and the latest on the role of your technicians.
In this issue of Today, you’ll also find timely recommendations for treating symptoms of the common cold and using honey for respiratory tract infections, new resources for smoking cessation and direct-to-consumer pharmacogenetic testing, and tips for avoiding errors when dispensing medications for pets. You can get CPE credit and learn the latest on shared clinical decision making for vaccine administration in this month’s CPE article.
During those first years of advocating for pharmacy-based immunization delivery, it was often said that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” to characterize the positive public health impact that pharmacists have through vaccine administration. During this coming season, as established immunizers, pharmacists are facing more of an, “all hands on deck,” situation to potentially meet urgent and significant needs for influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. I feel confident that pharmacists will again rise to the challenge, innovate, and take action to provide much-needed care for our patients during this flu season and many more to come!