Innovations-Magazine-February-2024 - 8

Pharmacists Play Increasing
Role as Vaccinators
immunization rates (see the October 2023 issue of Innovations
to learn how NABP and other pharmacy organizations are working
to support pharmacist well-being).
Prior to the pandemic, pharmacists already administered a significant
number of adult immunizations. Claims for adult flu vaccines
administered at pharmacies increased by 30-40% between 2018
and 2020, according to a report by the Global Healthy Living
Foundation and IQVIA. This increase highlights the growing role
pharmacists are playing in providing routine vaccinations. This trend
extended to other adult vaccines, including vaccines for shingles and
HPV, further demonstrating the power of community pharmacies in
providing accessible and convenient health care.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst that further propelled
pharmacists to the forefront of vaccination efforts. The Public
Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) granted
pharmacists temporary authority to administer COVID-19 and
influenza vaccines, enabling them to vaccinate a broad segment
of the population. Pharmacists responded to the challenges of the
pandemic by administering over 300 million COVID-19 vaccine
doses by May 2023. They played a crucial role in vaccinating
children, with most pediatric COVID-19 vaccines administered
at pharmacies. Additionally, they contributed to a slight increase
in flu vaccinations for children.
Pharmacists have a unique combination of
accessibility and expertise that makes them ideally
placed to have an outsized impact in reducing
harm from vaccine-preventable diseases.
While the PREP Act continues to grant pharmacists
authorization to vaccinate against COVID-19 and seasonal
influenza through at least December 2024, its eventual expiration
will curtail their ability to continue providing this service.
Hindering pharmacist-administered immunizations is likely to
disproportionately impact low-income and rural communities
with limited access to other health care providers. Recognizing
this potential barrier, at least 35 states have codified the PREP
Act into their own laws. However, some states have implemented
restrictions, such as requiring prescriptions for certain vaccines,
which may impede access for some patients.
Pharmacists have a unique combination of accessibility and
expertise that makes them ideally placed to have an outsized
impact in reducing harm from vaccine-preventable diseases. With
over 80,000 retail and outpatient pharmacy locations in the US,
pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers for many
Americans. While this potential is undeniable, staffing challenges and
recent struggles with pharmacy staff well-being may limit their ability
to proactively take part in vaccination efforts. Pharmacists are busier
than ever and may lack the time and resources needed to actively
engage with patients about their immunization needs. Addressing
these issues is crucial for further enabling pharmacists to play a
continued role in delivering vaccinations and achieving optimal
6 | FEBRUARY 2024
Differences in Regulatory Approaches
The regulatory environment surrounding pharmacist-administered
vaccines is complex, shaped both by federal and state regulation.
While Food and Drug Administration oversees vaccine approval and
safety, individual states decide who can administer the vaccines. This
has resulted in a variety of different regulatory approaches, including
age restrictions, prescription requirements, and limitations on which
vaccines pharmacists can administer.
The role of pharmacy technicians is also evolving alongside
that of pharmacists. Some states now allow trained and certified
technicians to assist pharmacists with vaccination-related tasks
under direct supervision. This may include preparing vaccines,
administering them, and documenting the process. This
expansion of scope complements the similar growth in the role
of pharmacists and may allow pharmacists to better focus on
patient consultations and other critical responsibilities. With the
impending PREP Act expiration, some pharmacists have raised
concerns about whether they will be able to continue vaccinating.
In response to the growing need for accessible and convenient
vaccination options, several states have enacted legislation in recent
years to expand or modify pharmacist vaccination authority. These
changes have been diverse, with some states removing age restrictions,
eliminating prescription requirements for specific vaccines, and
allowing pharmacists to administer a broader range of immunizations.
Despite the trend toward expanding pharmacist vaccination
authority, some states have implemented limitations that can hinder
access. For instance, while all 50 states and the District of Columbia
allow pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines under certain
conditions, age restrictions vary significantly. In Vermont, pharmacists
can only vaccinate adults over 18, while Hawaii and West Virginia
allow pharmacist-administered influenza vaccinations for children
over 11 years old as long as a prescription is provided.
Immunizations Bolster Public Health
Increasingly, pharmacists are being recognized as important allies in the
protection of public health. As their scope of practice increases, studies
confirm that they have played a critical role in increasing vaccination rates.
Their accessibility and expertise build trust and encourage immunization,
fostering positive public attitudes toward vaccines. During the pandemic,
pharmacists served as vital vaccinators and trusted advisors, highlighting
their potential to assist in future public health emergencies.
To optimize pharmacist impact, continued efforts to improve
training, provide additional resources, and remove unneeded barriers
is important. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, health care
providers, and pharmacy organizations can be a crucial component
in advancing this goal. By promoting awareness, addressing staffing
shortages and pharmacist well-being, and ensuring that pharmacies
remain accessible in rural and underserved communities, pharmacists
are poised to have an even greater impact on the public health as we
move further into the 21st
century.
https://www.nxtbook.com/nabp/innovations/innovations-magazine-october-2023/index.php#/p/6
Innovations-Magazine-February-2024

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