Pharmacists Are Vital to Providing Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines

Pharmacy Times spoke with National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, FASAE, CAE, IOM, about the vital role pharmacists have in the upcoming influenza season and how they will be involved in distribution of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine once it becomes available.

As the most accessible health care provider, Anderson said pharmacists have a major role to play in immunizations. As the flu season approaches, he said pharmacists should make sure they educate patients on why the vaccine is important and counsel them on any questions or concerns. To that aim, NACDS has launched a campaign encouraging people to get their flu shots and educating them on the importance it.

Although most pharmacists are used to administering flu vaccines, Anderson said the concurrent influenza season and a potential rise in COVID-19 cases may present new challenges. There are still many unknowns about the COVID-19 vaccine, but as the development process continues, he said pharmacists can play the greatest role by ensuring their patients get the influenza vaccination.

“We may not know much about the COVID vaccine, but we know about the importance of getting your flu shot,” Anderson said.