Opinion
Video
Optimizing Multidisciplinary Care in RSV Vaccination Efforts
Panelists discuss how community pharmacies have become trusted hubs for adult vaccinations, with pharmacists not only administering vaccines but also educating patients and coordinating with other health care providers to ensure clear, unified messaging; they emphasize the importance of collaboration, empowering pharmacists to use clinical judgment, and actively navigating insurance challenges to improve vaccine access and public health outcomes.
Community pharmacies have increasingly become a trusted and primary access point for adult vaccinations, especially since the pandemic highlighted their role. Pharmacists are often among the first health care professionals to receive updates on new vaccine recommendations and guidelines, making them well-positioned to educate patients. This expanded role goes beyond simply administering vaccines; pharmacists serve as key educators who help clarify vaccine eligibility and address patient questions, ensuring individuals receive accurate and timely information.
Collaboration and consistent communication between pharmacists and other health care providers are essential to avoid confusion and vaccine hesitancy. Patients often trust their pharmacist and physician differently, so it is crucial that both provide unified messages. Encouraging providers to send vaccine prescriptions to pharmacies—even when not required—can facilitate smoother communication and prompt pharmacists to initiate vaccination conversations. Moreover, pharmacists should feel empowered to use their clinical judgment and consult with providers when vaccine recommendations are not straightforward, helping to bridge gaps and avoid unnecessary exclusions.
In addition to fostering provider relationships, pharmacists play a vital role in navigating insurance coverage for new vaccines. While direct negotiation with insurers may be challenging, pharmacists and patients alike can advocate for broader coverage aligned with national recommendations. Sharing information about insurance barriers within pharmacy teams helps escalate issues for resolution. It is also important to submit insurance claims for all eligible patients, even if initially rejected, to collect data that supports future coverage decisions. Ultimately, this unified, collaborative approach ensures patients receive recommended vaccines efficiently, building trust and improving public health outcomes.
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