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Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, shares how pharmacy teams are addressing vaccine misinformation, managing co-administration, and supporting test-to-treat services during a complex respiratory season.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, discussed how pharmacy teams are addressing vaccine hesitancy and preparing for a respiratory season complicated by influenza. COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Picking emphasized the pharmacist’s role in dispelling common myths, providing evidence-based education, and responding to outbreaks, noting that Walgreens nearly doubled MMR vaccine administration earlier this year amid measles surges.
Picking also highlighted the growing demand for vaccine co-administration, particularly among seniors, and described how Walgreens pharmacists are trained to guide patients on timing, eligibility, and test-to-treat services for flu and COVID-19.
This is part 2 of a 2-part interview. You can watch part 1 here.
Pharmacy Times: With shifting public health guidance and persistent vaccine hesitation, how is your team addressing patient concerns or misinformation at the point of care, and are you tailoring educational strategies based on these lessons?
Samantha Picking, PharmD: Yeah, we continue to see common misconceptions like the flu vaccine causing the flu or concerns about side effects. These may delay or deter eligible patients from getting vaccinated, which is troubling because vaccine-preventable viruses like flu, measles, and pneumonia are highly contagious. This is where our pharmacy teams play a big role. As pharmacists, we're not just administering vaccines—we're listening to patients, addressing concerns, and providing evidence-based guidance. Each year, our teams receive extensive training and assessments to ensure they can properly educate customers about vaccines, the latest updates, and testing and treatment options, all while administering them in compliance with recommendations and state laws. For example, during the recent measles outbreaks, we quickly activated our teams in Texas and other hotspots to educate and administer MMR vaccines. Walgreens nearly doubled MMR vaccine administration in the first part of the year, including a nearly 250% increase in Texas counties most impacted by outbreaks, and more than quadrupled increases in New Mexico and Colorado. At Walgreens, we're committed to being the most convenient and accessible place to seek recommended vaccine care and advice. We've played this role for decades and don’t intend to stop now. This season, education, access, and trust will be more important than ever, and our teams are already playing a key role.
Pharmacy Times: With increasing complexity due to what has been termed a ‘quad-demic’ involving flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, how is the pharmacy team approaching flu vaccinations as part of a broader strategy for respiratory virus prevention—for example, opportunities for co-administration or coordinating testing and immunization services in the pharmacy setting?
Picking: As I mentioned, co-administration has increased over the years, and it’s a major focus for us. Our team members are confident in recommending multiple vaccines when appropriate, so patients can schedule multiple respiratory and routine immunizations during the same visit. Our pharmacists are ready to provide guidance on which vaccines are right for each patient, including optimal timing and whether to consider co-administration. Last year, we saw higher-than-normal interest in co-administration, especially among seniors, and we anticipate similar demand this year. Our expert pharmacists are highly trained providers who can also ensure individuals receive appropriate testing and treatment if they test positive for a virus. We offer test-to-treat services for flu and COVID, simplifying the path to recovery. Pharmacists in 12 states can prescribe antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu; Pfizer) or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid; Pfizer), and in 30 states, we offer virtual care so patients can consult a remote clinician for a prescription if state regulations don’t allow pharmacist prescribing.
Pharmacy Times: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Picking: Yeah, sure. I'd say first, I want to emphasize that getting vaccinated is the most important thing a person can do to protect themselves and those around them. Decades of evidence show that vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness. While it's too early to tell what this season will bring, we know that every year, common respiratory viruses like flu and pneumonia cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. Flu and RSV historically peak in colder months, while COVID patterns have become less predictable. Walgreens is the most convenient and accessible place to get recommended vaccines and has been for decades. We encourage customers to prioritize vaccination against respiratory viruses in the months ahead. Remember that pharmacists are highly trained healthcare providers and are always available to guide patients on vaccines. Anyone with concerns should talk to their Walgreens pharmacist or health care provider.
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