Long-Term Care Pharmacies Can Close the Flu Vaccination Gap Among Older Adults

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Kristin Hartzell, PharmD, pharmacist and VP of commercial ops and clinical strategy at RedSail Technologies, discussed the factors behind declining influenza vaccination rates among older adults and how long-term care pharmacies can help close this gap. Hartzell said many patients are experiencing vaccine fatigue after the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid conflicting vaccine information in the media, some older adults are unsure where to find accurate guidance about flu vaccination. Because pharmacists are highly trusted and maintain ongoing relationships with their patients, she explained, they are well positioned to fill this knowledge gap.

We know that anytime you can meet the patients where they are, you’re going to help them receive their care better than they would if they had to go out and access it by themselves. — Kristin Hartzell, PharmD

Hartzell emphasized the value of bringing flu shots directly to older adults where they live. Long-term care pharmacies already serve residents of assisted living and long-term care facilities, as well as homebound patients. Holding clinics on-site, or in community settings such as churches, can increase influenza vaccination rates in this high-risk population and help keep residents healthier throughout flu season.

For pharmacies running recurring vaccine clinics at assisted living facilities, Hartzell outlined several foundational steps:

• Order the flu vaccine well in advance, because ordering often begins early in the calendar year.
• Confirm state-specific licensure, training, and registration requirements.
• Establish contracts with third-party payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, so services can be billed appropriately.

Hartzell also encouraged pharmacies to use both staff and technology to improve efficiency. In states that permit pharmacy technicians to vaccinate, protocols that allow them to administer flu shots can ease pharmacist workload. Elsewhere, technicians can support data collection, billing, and clinic logistics. Hartzell also recommended HIPAA-secure electronic forms and bulk-upload tools that integrate with pharmacy management systems to streamline claims submission and reimbursement.

This is part 1 of a 2-part interview; the remainder of Hartzell’s conversation with Pharmacy Times is coming soon.