Commentary
Video
Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD, highlights the key role pharmacists play in providing clear, trusted guidance for patients seeking COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD, a board-certified geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at Emory University, explained that the recent FDA approvals of Spikevax (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA; 2025-2026 formula; Moderna) and mNEXSPIKE (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA; Moderna) for adults aged 65 years and older and those with risk factors will affect many patients this fall.
Vaughan noted that implementation guidance from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is still forthcoming, which may add confusion to the vaccine decision-making process. Vaughan emphasized that pharmacists must stay informed through trusted sources to help patients navigate these changes and ensure continued vaccine confidence.
Pharmacy Times: What are your thoughts on the FDA’s recent approvals of Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE for adults aged 65 years and older and individuals with risk factors for severe disease?
Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD: Yeah, thanks for that question. As a geriatrician, I focus my care on those who are older or have multiple chronic conditions. These updates will apply to most of the patients that I see in my practice. For younger populations—or those used to making their own decisions about receiving the vaccine—we’ll need to wait and see the guidance from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to inform how these FDA updates are applied and implemented.
I think this year may be a bit more confusing than past seasons, which is partly why there’s so much information in the news right now. In previous years, it was more straightforward for individuals to self-direct and decide, “I’m going to get my COVID booster this fall, maybe along with my flu shot.” This year, there may be added complexity to that decision and to the process of receiving a vaccine. There’s more to come, but these changes will likely affect how easily patients can access vaccines this fall.
Pharmacy Times: There is a lot of vaccine-related news circulating right now, and patients may have questions. How can pharmacists properly counsel patients on concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine?
Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD: That’s a really great question. Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team and often have strong, trusted relationships with patients—especially those with chronic conditions who frequently visit to fill prescriptions. It’s really important for pharmacists to stay up-to-date as information evolves over the next few weeks. Identify trusted sources for updates, such as professional societies, peer-reviewed publications, and reliable news outlets. By staying informed, pharmacists can continue to serve as trusted sources of health information and help make things clearer for patients this fall.
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