When new vaccination recommendations emerge, local pharmacy teams are often the first healthcare professionals to discuss them with community members. They serve as trusted advisors, especially to elderly patients and those with chronic conditions who regularly visit for medications.

Pharmacists and technicians can:

• Help identify eligible patients during routine medication pickups

• Explain the new recommendation in clear, simple terms

•  Address concerns and answer questions about vaccination timing

•  Screen for vaccine eligibility and potential interactions

•  Schedule vaccination appointments on the spot

•  Provide reminder calls/texts for second doses

•  Ensure vaccine records are properly maintained

Their regular patient interactions and accessibility make them essential communicators of vital public health updates like this CDC recommendation.

Read more from the CDC Newsroom here.