Commentary
Video
Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD, addresses how state-level differences and potential new prescription requirements could impact patient access to COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD, a board-certified geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at Emory University, discussed how changing federal vaccine guidance may lead to access challenges for patients.
Vaughan advised pharmacists to stay connected with state boards of pharmacy, public health departments, and professional organizations to remain informed. She also emphasized the importance of pharmacies in maintaining widespread access, particularly for individuals who do not meet current FDA recommendations but still seek vaccination.
This is part 2 of a 3-part video series. You can watch part one here.
Pharmacy Times: With shifting federal vaccine guidance, what recommendations do you have for pharmacists who may have their own questions regarding their ability to vaccinate or recommend vaccination to certain patients?
Elizabeth Vaughan, MD, MPH, RD: We’re starting to see statewide differences in how new policies may be implemented. Here in Georgia, for example, current expectations based on FDA approvals are that prescriptions will be required to administer COVID-19 vaccines. However, that could change after the upcoming CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting later this month. Pharmacists should stay connected with their state professional organizations, state boards of pharmacy, subspecialty organizations, and local departments of public health to receive timely updates. These organizations will align with CDC ACIP guidance once more information becomes available. Having access to both local and state-level information sources will be essential to staying current.
Pharmacy Times: Do you expect any issues related to access to vaccines for patients, especially for those who may be healthy but still desire a COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaughan: When new barriers are introduced—especially where they didn’t previously exist—they can influence access. Over the past few years, millions of people worldwide have safely received COVID-19 vaccines, which have been very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Because of that strong track record, we want vaccines to remain easily accessible. While they’ve been relatively easy to obtain in recent years, this fall there may be additional steps to receiving one. For people who don’t meet current FDA guidance, we’ll need to wait and see what CDC ACIP decides later this month.
If prescriptions are required, individuals should plan ahead. Many health systems offer e-prescriptions, which simplifies the process, but even those systems will need time to set up streamlined workflows. Patients should be patient and understand it may take a few days for processes to run smoothly. Pharmacies play a critical role in providing access, often being more accessible than clinics. I hope pharmacies continue to carry these vaccines, as they are an essential resource for communities.
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