APhA–APRS
A spotlight on pharmacists’ skills
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically affected the daily lives of people worldwide. Vaccination is one of the most effective protection strategies against viral infections, and there is much hope with the global development and use of numerous vaccines. It has been estimated that 80% of the population must be immunized to create herd immunity against COVID-19.1 Pharmacists, spotlighted to help lead vaccination efforts by both national2 and international organizations,3 were well prepared to play a critical role owing to previous pandemic responses, accessibility, their role as educators, and extensive presence across the health care system.
Pharmacists vaccinating against previous virulent virus strains has been successful, and research shows that pharmacist involvement in vaccinations increases the likelihood of adults receiving vaccinations.4, 5, 6 During the 2009-2010 H1N1 outbreak, pharmacists in Washington State were found to have higher patient volumes as well as higher patient-to-practitioners ratios when comparing vaccination resources.7 A simulated model for pandemic influenza vaccination to forecast the potential impact of community pharmacy vaccinators resulted in increased numbers of vaccine doses administered and a reduction in the time to achieve 80% single-dose coverage.8 In addition, when the influenza season collided with the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of the influenza vaccinations were administered in a pharmacy.9 Pharmacists are widely recognized and accepted as vaccination providers.
As more than 90% of Americans live within 2 miles of a community pharmacy and patients see their pharmacist nearly 12 times more than their primary care physician, pharmacists continue to be listed as the most accessible health care provider.10 , 11 In rural areas, pharmacists may be the only immediately accessible health care providers.12 These familiar, convenient locations are well established for vaccinations. The pharmacy is not limited to its 4 walls, as highlighted by the federal partnership with community pharmacies. Through the partnership, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) acknowledged the important role pharmacies will play in the public health efforts of vaccinations with their partnership with CVS Health and Walgreens to administer vaccines to long-term care facility residents.2 Local community pharmacies have also hosted vaccine clinics in the community to allow for even greater access to the COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition to location access, pharmacists have increased access to patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal community pharmacy program for COVID-19 vaccinations website recognizes pharmacists as “highly trusted and trained health care providers who have direct access to and knowledge of their patient populations.”13 COVID-19 has been shown to unequally affect those with comorbidities. As many comorbidities require chronic medications, pharmacists can use their monthly or quarterly touch points with patients to discuss and offer COVID-19 vaccinations.
Pharmacists are often listed as one of the most trusted health care providers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, news and social media have played a large role in the communication of disease and vaccine information. A 2012 study of health care workers during the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak found that the main sources of MERS information pharmacists used were books, articles, seminars, posters, and pamphlets rather than social media, radio, and television.14 Using their knowledge of evidence-based medicine, along with practiced, patient-friendly communication skills, pharmacists can assist in the reliable, accurate spread of COVID-19 vaccine information. The continuous contact with patients allows for the building of trusting relationships that may establish a more meaningful conversation with those who are vaccine hesitant. It is imperative that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation continues to be combated: pharmacists are prepared, suited, and have strong patient relationships to aid in this effort.
Specific ways pharmacists have assisted in vaccination efforts so far include:
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Answering questions regarding vaccine development, mechanism of action, and potential interactions with therapy.
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Training team members on the proper management and handling of the COVID-19 vaccines.
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Leading education opportunities for patients, providers, health care administrators, and business partners.
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Assisting in patient identification and prioritization for COVID-19 vaccines.
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Managing and coordinating mass vaccination sites.
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Volunteering at local vaccine clinics.
State laws vary across the United States regarding the scope of pharmacist-administered vaccination. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many restrictive states expanded their laws to allow for pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccines. The scope of practice expansion should not have needed to be prompted by a pandemic and should not be limited to the pandemic situation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in pediatric immunization owing to limited medical office visits. HHS recognized the integral role pharmacists play in vaccination efforts with their recent approval of pharmacist-administered pediatric vaccines.15 This is a reminder that pharmacists must not forget about other immunization opportunities for both pediatric and adult populations. The current energy and efforts toward COVID-19 vaccinations should be carried forward for all vaccine-preventable diseases. Pharmacists should continuously be a part of comprehensive vaccination efforts and take the opportunity of COVID-19 to continue the expansion of vaccination scope of practice.
There is hope for an end to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have proven their success in previous efforts, and they must continue to be used in the current vaccination plans. A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is the opportunity it provides pharmacists to spotlight their skills when they are needed most.
Snyder
Biography
Joy Snyder, PharmD, Chief Pharmacist, Monroe County Department of Public Health, Rochester, NY; jms05373@sjfc.edu
References
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