Q&A: Persistent Vaccine Hesitancy Amid Increased Coadministration Rates

Vaccine hesitancy across the US persists as pharmacists make vaccine distribution safer, more effective, and more convenient for patients.

“We continue to see common misconceptions, like the flu vaccine causes flu or it has severe [adverse] effects,” Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, told Drug Topics. “That delays or deters eligible patients from getting vaccinated. It's always troubling. As we know, vaccine-preventable viruses [such as] flu, measles, and pneumonia are highly contagious and can spread quickly.”

Despite these continuous sentiments throughout today’s society, pharmacists are making vaccine distribution more efficient by increasing the rates of coadministered vaccines, making them easier to access, and further highlighting the safety, efficacy, and overall importance of getting vaccinated.

To discuss this phenomenon further, Drug Topics caught up with Picking during National Immunization Awareness Month. She shared her insights on the ongoing narratives surrounding vaccines in the US, how Walgreens’ immunization services have evolved, and the utmost importance of getting vaccinated, especially during respiratory virus season.

READ MORE: The Technology, Initiatives Advancing Immunization Services in the US

Drug Topics: What recent trends have you observed regarding vaccine uptake for immunization to protect against respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus?

Samantha Picking, PharmD: As we know, every year, common respiratory viruses, like flu and pneumonia,...cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths, yet vaccination rates continue to decline, especially according to the CDC data. We continue to see common misconceptions, like the flu vaccine causes flu, or it has severe [adverse] effects. That delays or deters eligible patients from getting vaccinated. It's always troubling. As we know, vaccine-preventable viruses [such as] flu, measles, and pneumonia are highly contagious and can spread quickly.

On a positive note, Walgreens last year saw higher than normal interest in vaccine coadministration, which means patients are getting more than 1 vaccine at the same time, especially in our senior populations. This can actually help improve vaccine coverage and adherence to immunization schedules, and it's completely safe. We anticipate and are prepared for similar interests this season of being able to protect patients for more than 1 vaccine in the same visit. We'll continue to make sure that we know that vaccines are available, and our pharmacists are available to answer any questions and concerns, as vaccine rates have declined historically.

Drug Topics: What is the best advice you could give your patients as we head into respiratory virus season, especially those who may be hesitant to receive vaccinations?

Picking: I think No. 1 is make time for it, plan ahead, make the appointment, and come in or talk to your pharmacist. A reminder to everyone: Vaccines remain a safe and effective way to prevent highly contagious illnesses, [such as] measles, flu, [and] pneumonia, among others. Decades of evidence show that these vaccines work and play a vital role in keeping people and our communities healthy.

Getting vaccinated can protect a person from the illness, but if a person does get sick, it also lowers the likelihood of severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and even death. 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. 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.

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

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