Opinion
Video
Encouraging Successful Completion of the Shingles Vaccine Series
Author(s):
A panelist discusses how pharmacists can improve shingles vaccine completion rates by using physician orders rather than verbal recommendations, addressing individual patient concerns about vaccine fatigue and hesitancy, and proactively scheduling second doses during the first visit to ensure full protection.
Many adults fail to follow through with physician-ordered vaccinations, often due to a lack of understanding about the importance and urgency of preventive care. Health care professionals emphasize that patients may not grasp the necessity of vaccination when they're not actively ill, creating a disconnect between recommendation and action. The key to closing this gap lies in helping patients truly understand the risks of preventable illnesses and using every patient interaction as an opportunity to screen for needed immunizations while providing clear, compelling reasons for protection.
Written prescriptions and manufacturer materials prove more effective than verbal recommendations alone, as they create a tangible reminder and enable pharmacies to proactively contact patients for scheduling. Addressing vaccine fatigue and hesitancy requires an individualized approach, recognizing that each patient has unique concerns ranging from adverse effects to misinformation. Health care professionals must break down complex information into patient-friendly education levels, moving away from statistics-heavy discussions toward personal conversations about health goals and protection needs.
Successful completion of the shingles vaccine series requires setting clear expectations before the first dose, discussing anticipated side effects, and immediately scheduling the second appointment. Pharmacists should emphasize that the second dose is essential—not optional—for full protection, while leveraging their accessibility and flexible hours to accommodate patient schedules and ensure convenient follow-up care.
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