In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Alyssa Modic, PharmD, senior clinical pharmacy specialist at UPMC Health Plan, highlighted the pharmacist’s central role in advancing adult immunizations, particularly amid rising concerns about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses.
With RSV vaccines newly available for older adults, Modic emphasized CDC recommendations for individuals aged 75 and older, as well as high-risk adults 50 to 74 with chronic conditions or other risk factors. Modic also noted increasing patient curiosity about RSV vaccines and stressed the importance of pharmacists engaging in routine vaccine conversations, listening to patient concerns, and providing reliable education to improve uptake.
Pharmacy Times: How has the pharmacist’s role evolved when it comes to adult immunizations, particularly with the growing number of vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses?
Key Takeaways
- Pharmacists are highly accessible providers who can educate, counsel, and administer vaccines, supporting patients through the entire vaccination process.
- CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults aged 75 and older and for adults aged 50–74 with risk factors such as chronic cardiovascular or respiratory disease, weakened immunity, obesity, or residence in nursing homes.
- Patient awareness of RSV vaccination is rising, and pharmacists can improve uptake by initiating vaccine conversations, addressing concerns, and guiding patients toward trusted resources.
Alyssa Modic, PharmD: Pharmacists are easily accessible health care professionals that can discuss, educate, and encourage vaccination among appropriate populations. Not only that, but they can answer questions, relieve fears, and educate patients about misinformation. They are also able to administer vaccines in many settings and take the patient from start to finish in the vaccination process.
Pharmacy Times: Regarding RSV, with new vaccines now available for older adults, what do pharmacists need to know about identifying eligible patients and counseling them on these options?
Modic: The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for all adults 75 and older and any adults at increased risk of severe RSV aged between 50 and 74. A few examples of patients we consider to be at increased risk include those with chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, end-stage renal disease, weakened immune systems, obesity, or those residing in a nursing home. There are more complete, comprehensive lists available on the CDC website for RSV guidance in adults. Basically, any adult 50 or older with a condition that might increase their risk of severe disease—and who has no contraindication—should be vaccinated against RSV. At this time, it is a 1-dose vaccine for adults. If a patient has already received one dose as an adult, they should not get another.
Pharmacy Times: How have you seen patient awareness around RSV change, and what are some strategies pharmacists can use to improve education and uptake among high-risk populations?
Modic: Absolutely—people talk, and word spreads fast nowadays. I frequently have patients specifically ask about the RSV vaccine, since it’s relatively new compared to other vaccines—it only came to market in spring 2023. Naturally, people have questions, and often the first health care provider they speak with is a pharmacist. I feel that conversations should be had routinely with patients, revisiting what vaccinations they may be due or overdue for. Asking questions about vaccines can open the door for patients to share their concerns and hesitations. By listening to our patients, we can better understand their perspective, educate them, and guide them toward reliable, science-backed resources while leaving the door open for future conversations.
