Commentary
Video
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, highlights the need for pharmacists to leverage resources, collaborate with other providers, advocate on social media, and support rural communities with limited access to care.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, director of professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), described APhA’s resources for improving vaccine confidence, including publicly available communication tools and updated immunization guidance. Hill highlighted the importance of collaboration between pharmacists and other providers, noting that these partnerships improve access and streamline vaccination efforts. Hill also called on pharmacists to advocate both for their patients and their profession—particularly on social media, where misinformation spreads quickly.
The transcript below was edited for grammar and clarity using artificial intelligence.
Pharmacy Times: What specific resources or initiatives is the APhA providing to help pharmacists improve vaccine confidence and address patient hesitancy in their communities?
Hill: APhA has several resources available. One key tool is vaccineconfident.pharmacist.com, created during the COVID-19 pandemic and still accessible to everyone, regardless of APhA membership. It offers patient- and provider-focused resources, including communication strategies for addressing different concerns. Additionally, our Public Health Resources page on pharmacist.com provides up-to-date information on immunizations and other health issues, ensuring pharmacists have reliable, evidence-based tools to use in practice.
Pharmacy Times: Beyond the pharmacy counter, how can pharmacists leverage their role as accessible health care providers to collaborate with pediatricians and public health officials to increase vaccination coverage?
Hill: Our role doesn’t end at the pharmacy. Building strong relationships with pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and primary care providers is critical for seamless patient care. This collaboration ensures providers know what vaccines we stock and whether prescriptions are required, making vaccination more accessible. Pharmacists, student pharmacists, and technicians must also act as advocates—for patients and for the profession. Social media plays a large role in shaping public opinion, and since 39% of women consider it a valuable information source, pharmacists must use these platforms to promote accurate, science-based content. I’ve seen misinformation directly prevent patients from accepting vaccines, so correcting false narratives in real time is essential.
Pharmacy Times: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Hill: Yes—I’d like to highlight the issue of pharmacy deserts. While pharmacists are often the most accessible providers, patients in rural areas may have no other point of care. For example, survey data shows that only 36% of women in rural areas spoke to a provider in the past year. In these communities, pharmacists are often the only health care professionals available to turn to, which makes it even more important that we answer their questions and ensure they receive appropriate immunization support.
Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.
