A conversation guide for pharmacy staff: Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine options in adults with chronic disease

Immunizations are beneficial in reducing illness severity and complications, particularly among individuals with chronic diseases. During the 2024–2025 influenza season, hospitalization rates reached their highest level in over a decade, proposed to be driven by low vaccination coverage and viral variation. Most adults hospitalized with influenza were aged >65 years or had at least one underlying health condition, highlighting the disproportionate impact on older adults and those with chronic diseases. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication technique used to gauge a patient’s readiness for change and to assist with change. This guide offers tips for motivational interviewing and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Access Resource 

Practice Insights: Navigating the Adult Immunization Landscape

The number of vaccinations recommended for adults has grown in recent years, leading to an expanded and more complex adult vaccination schedule. As more vaccines have become available, the number of adults who are not current with recommended vaccinations has increased, and many adults are due to receive multiple vaccines. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play an increasingly important role in the administration of adult vaccines. This resource will share current best practices for adult immunization in pharmacy-based settings and identify gaps and opportunities to support the role of pharmacists and technicians in adult immunization.

Access Resource 

Practice Insights: Strategies for Resolving Adult Vaccination Needs by Community Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a vital and well-established role in supporting public health in the United States through the delivery of vaccination services. This resource will provide insights and perspectives to guide a profession-wide practical approach to advance planned administration of vaccines by pharmacists and to establish patient expectations for managing vaccination needs across their lifespan.

Access Resource 

My Vaccine Action Plan

This resource provides a vaccine action plan for use in communicating directly with patients about needed vaccines. This tool uses patient-friendly terminology and offers strategies to encourage patients to receive multiple vaccinations simultaneously and plan ahead for future vaccinations.

Access Resource 

Talking to Your Patients About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines

Use these resources, co-developed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to help answer your patients’ questions and to feel comfortable explaining why vaccines provide the best protection against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Access Resource