How Retail Pharmacy is Transforming Immunization Services, Access

While members of the general public may not be aware of the increased services pharmacies provide, retail and independent community pharmacists have been administering vaccines for the better part of the 21st century. However, among declining vaccination rates and increased vaccine hesitancy, pharmacists are constantly tasked with promoting the importance of staying protected against infectious disease.

“As we know, every year, common respiratory viruses, like flu and pneumonia, they cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths, yet vaccination rates continue to decline, especially according to the CDC data,” Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, told Drug Topics. “We continue to see common misconceptions, like the flu vaccine causes flu or it has severe side effects. That delays or deters eligible patients from getting vaccinated.”

Highlighting her expertise and experience within the immunization space, Picking joined us for the latest episode of Over the Counter to discuss the importance of vaccinating during respiratory virus season. On top of her providing pertinent vaccine-related insights for the upcoming winter months, she also joined us in the month of August to celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month.

Learn about Picking’s ongoing work with Walgreens pharmacies across the country and find out what programs, initiatives, and innovative technologies the company is employing this season to boost respiratory vaccination rates.

“When you get vaccinated, you lower your chance of spreading disease to those around you, so you're protecting your families too, or your friends, and the most vulnerable loved ones, like grandparents or young children,” concluded Picking. “Those with questions should talk to their local pharmacist. We're highly trained, trusted health care providers ready to help navigate any questions around vaccines and the latest guidance.”

Stay tuned for weekly podcast episodes on Over the Counter every Thursday afternoon. Check out our previous episode with Ashley Kay Pendrick, PharmD, owner of Prosper Rx Consulting. She discussed her role in the pharmacy education and consulting spaces, providing insights to prospective pharmacists looking to follow a non-traditional career path.

Check out more of our content from National Immunization Awareness Month.

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