Pharmacists boost late-season flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination with coadministration guidance, fatigue-fighting messaging, and community access strategies.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, director of practical implementation and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), discussed the ongoing importance of pharmacist-led vaccination efforts during the respiratory virus season, emphasizing that it is never too late for patients to benefit from influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. She highlighted strategies for addressing vaccine fatigue by focusing on patient-centered outcomes rather than statistics alone. Hill also reviewed clinical guidance supporting coadministration of multiple vaccines and the role of pharmacies in overcoming access and affordability barriers. She emphasized community partnerships, strong vaccine recommendations, and unified pharmacy messaging as essential tools to improve vaccination rates and counter misinformation.
Pharmacy Times: Can you introduce yourself and explain your current role?
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh: I am Allison Hill. I’m director of professional affairs with the American Pharmacists Association, and I am a pharmacist. I’ve been practicing for many years, and my background is in community pharmacy. I think that vaccines are one of the best pharmacist-provided services that we have.
Pharmacy Times: How can pharmacists effectively debunk the misconception that it is “too late” in the year to benefit from a flu or COVID-19 vaccine?
Hill: Yes, well, it’s definitely not too late. It’s good to hear that the push for vaccines starts in October, but as long as respiratory viruses are still circulating in communities, people can still get their vaccines. So January and February are still an OK time for patients to receive those vaccines, and we must remember that vaccines are our best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Pharmacy Times: With the CDC reporting significant hospitalizations and deaths, how should pharmacists communicate the severity of this season to patients experiencing vaccine fatigue?
Hill: Well, I think we know that everybody has a little bit of vaccine fatigue, especially after the past couple of years where vaccines and immunizations have been constantly on everyone’s mind. It’s in the media, so it’s this constant conversation. In my practice, I don’t necessarily focus on the stats. We need to know the stats—CDC publishes weekly surveillance, and for the week ending January 24, [2026,] they estimated 20 million illnesses from influenza, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths so far this season, including 52 pediatric deaths. That’s important for us as pharmacists to realize, but when we are talking to our patients, it matters what is going to be important in their life. We want our patients to stay healthy, avoid going to the hospital, and not miss days from work. We also want to make sure that patients with loved ones who are older or have chronic conditions are protecting them because those populations are at higher risk from complications from respiratory diseases. We need to make the emotional connection, not just rely on stats and clinical knowledge.
Pharmacy Times: What is the current clinical guidance for pharmacists regarding the coadministration of flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines during a single visit?
Hill: Coadministration for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV has been something we’ve been doing for the past few years. It’s completely acceptable in clinical practice unless a patient has contraindications. Whenever you give more than 1 vaccine in the same arm, administer them at least 1 inch apart or use different arms. Three vaccines in 1 day is perfectly acceptable for patients when appropriate. Many patients in my practice say they would rather have soreness for 1 day than soreness over multiple days. There may be [adverse] effects, but if you receive more than 1 vaccine at the same time, you only feel it for 1 day instead of feeling unwell for several days.
Pharmacy Times: How are pharmacies addressing barriers to affordability and access, particularly for patients who are uninsured or seeking the newer RSV vaccines?
Hill: There are many instances where patients, even those with insurance, can have difficulties. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for adults 75 [years] and older and adults 50 to 74 who are at increased risk. We received a message from AHIP [formerly America’s Health Insurance Plans] stating they would cover all CDC-recommended vaccines through at least December 31 of this year. Pharmacy teams are also identifying access points for uninsured patients and helping determine eligibility for coverage, especially for patients with social vulnerability issues. I encourage all pharmacy teams to take that extra step to look up coverage so vaccines are not a barrier for patients.
Pharmacy Times: As the “most accessible” providers, what specific strategies can pharmacists use to reach underserved populations before the season ends?
Hill: These are tips I would share throughout the entire season and in preparation for the next respiratory infection season. Work with community partners. During COVID-19, we saw many clinics held in community settings, and when I was in full-time practice, I did influenza clinics every year and loved them. Pharmacists should reach out to community partners such as churches, senior centers, shelters, or cultural organizations. These organizations are often looking for pharmacists to provide services. Even in January, February, or March, it’s not too late to offer vaccination clinics, especially for underserved populations or patients who may feel uncomfortable coming into the pharmacy.
Pharmacy Times: What is your primary call to action for the frontline pharmacists reading Pharmacy Times as we enter these final months of respiratory virus activity?
Hill: Continue encouraging eligible patients to think about their families and receive respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal when age-appropriate. Pharmacists are the most accessible and trusted health care professionals, especially in rural areas where we may be the only provider for miles. A strong vaccination recommendation can be a deciding factor for patients and parents. Use patient interactions to talk about vaccines, prevent hospitalizations and deaths, keep people at work or kids in school, answer questions, and dispel disinformation using clinically accurate, scientifically based information.
Pharmacy Times: Is there anything you would like to add?
Hill: I wanted to highlight the work of the pharmacy-based vaccine access workgroup. This group includes representatives from diverse national pharmacy organizations across all practice settings, with a mission to ensure pharmacy has 1 unified voice on vaccines. We want to address public misunderstandings around vaccine recommendations and encourage vaccination during respiratory season and throughout the year. The group has also released guiding principles available on collaborating organization websites to support advocacy and future access to vaccines at pharmacies.
