Commentary
Video
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, discusses how rapid changes in vaccine schedules and state-level authority highlight the importance of the American Pharmacists Association's advocacy.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times®, Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, director of professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), discussed the evolving role of pharmacists amid rapidly changing vaccine recommendations. She emphasized that APhA provides timely resources to ensure pharmacists can respond to patient questions with accurate information. Hill also described APhA’s ongoing advocacy efforts to expand and protect pharmacist authority to administer vaccines.
The transcript below was edited for grammar and clarity using artificial intelligence.
Pharmacy Times: What are the most significant factors driving the decline in childhood vaccination rates, and how is the APhA addressing this trend from a policy and practice standpoint?
Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh: Recently, vaccine schedules have been updated more frequently than in the past, which presents challenges. As pharmacists, we must remain up-to-date and ready to respond to patient questions almost immediately after new recommendations are made. APhA is committed to providing timely updates to our members and the profession as a whole. For example, during my time in community practice, patients often asked about new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations the same day they were voted on. Staying informed allows us to provide patients with accurate and timely information.
Pharmacy Times: How has the APhA’s advocacy been instrumental in expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists, particularly regarding vaccine administration?
Hill: Every state has different vaccine authorities, which creates complexity in practice. APhA works with national and state organizations to protect and expand pharmacist, technician, and student authority to administer vaccines, whether through statewide protocols, standing orders, or independent authority. This year, APhA also partnered with other national pharmacy organizations to disseminate information on vaccine policy changes. We recently hosted an All Pharmacy Town Hall, available on our YouTube channel, where we addressed vaccine policy, practice concerns, and implementation challenges.
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