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Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh explains how pharmacists’ accessibility and trusted relationships make them key to combatting vaccine hesitancy.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, director of professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), explained that misinformation, fear, and cost-related concerns are among the most significant barriers to childhood vaccination and increased uptake among both men and women. Hill emphasized the pharmacist’s role as a trusted, accessible health care provider who can build patient confidence through clear communication, expectation setting, and strong vaccine recommendations. Hill also noted that APhA is equipping pharmacists with resources and partnerships to provide accurate, science-based information and counter misinformation in their communities.
The transcript below was edited for grammar and clarity using artificial intelligence.
Pharmacy Times: What are the most significant factors driving the decline in childhood vaccination rates, and how is the APhA addressing this trend from a policy and practice standpoint?
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh: Thank you for that question. Factors contributing to declining childhood vaccination rates include vaccine hesitancy, often fueled by misinformation. There is so much information available—through social media, friends, and other sources—that people are often exposed to inaccurate content. While it’s positive that people know how to find information, not all of it is reliable, and misinformation can heavily influence vaccine decision-making. At APhA, we focus on equipping pharmacists to reach communities, as we are among the most accessible health care providers. We provide scientifically based, accurate information to support patients and also work with partners, such as the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP), to amplify these messages.
Pharmacy Times: Given that parents often turn to pharmacists for health advice, what strategies can pharmacists use to confidently and effectively address vaccine misinformation and hesitancy?
Hill: Pharmacists are highly accessible—patients see us much more often than other health care providers. That gives us a unique influence on how patients perceive vaccinations. For example, survey data from the AWHP shows that women often cite fear of side effects, affordability, and misunderstandings about the need for vaccines as barriers. As pharmacists, we can address these concerns by discussing side effects during vaccine administration, helping patients navigate coverage or cost concerns, and building trust through open communication. Importantly, 81% of women said they would receive a vaccine if it was recommended by a health care provider. This highlights the critical role pharmacists play in making strong, clear vaccine recommendations.
Pharmacy Times: In your experience as a pharmacist, what were the most significant barriers to increasing vaccine uptake, and how can current pharmacists overcome similar challenges?
Hill: In practice, one of the most common barriers was patient fear—fear of pain, fear of side effects, or fear of not feeling well afterward. I often had to take time to set expectations with patients, including pediatric patients, explaining what mild discomfort they might feel and reassuring them that it would pass quickly. Once patients knew what to expect, they felt more comfortable. Survey data shows that when patients receive vaccine information, satisfaction increases: 88% among white women and 77% among both Black and Hispanic women. No matter the patient population, ensuring clear communication and addressing concerns directly can significantly improve vaccine uptake.
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