Recent Advancements in COVID-19 Vaccination: An Update for Pharmacists (Pharmacist Credit)

Program Description

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response in vaccine development. Currently, 4 COVID-19 vaccines based on different technologies are commercially available. Although these vaccines have been shown to provide a remarkable reduction in disease burden in clinical trials, development efforts continue to address the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) or variants of interest (VOIs) that affect virulence or susceptibility to vaccine-induced immunity. Available and emerging vaccines and boosters, as well as updates to their use and administration schedules including boost strategies and recommendations will be reviewed, with a focus on key vaccine information community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can share with patients to support access to accurate and personalized information on vaccines. Staying informed about the latest developments on COVID-19 vaccines will help prepare pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for questions or concerns patients may have. This activity will specify tactics to allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians practicing within community settings to intervene and resolve gaps in care to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccine-related challenges patients may face.

Target audience: Health-system pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, retail pharmacists, specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application for pharmacists; Knowledge for pharmacy technicians

Release date: November 10, 2022

Expiration date: May 10, 2023

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, pharmacists will be able to:

• Explain the current disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the efficacy and safety of emerging COVID-19 vaccines to reduce morbidity and mortality
• Compare current COVID-19 vaccination schedule recommendations and the use of heterologous vaccines in prime-boost immunization strategy to address vaccine shortage, emergence of new variants of concern, and adverse reactions
• Explore barriers and challenges of COVID-19 vaccination, including vaccine hesitancy, to understand the drivers shaping the use of COVID-19 vaccines
• Identify the role of pharmacists in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and implementing strategies for improving vaccine confidence

At the completion of this activity, pharmacy technicians will be able to:

• Describe the current disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the efficacy and safety of emerging COVID-19 vaccines to reduce morbidity and mortality
• Discuss current COVID-19 vaccination schedule recommendations and guidance for boosters, variants of concern, and managing adverse reactions
• Recall barriers and challenges to vaccination uptake, including vaccine hesitancy and drivers shaping the use of COVID-19 vaccines
• Identify the role of pharmacy technicians in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and partnering with the pharmacist to improve vaccine confidence

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-22-556-H06-P and 0290-0000-22-557-H06-T. The activity is available for CE credit through May 10, 2023.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Faculty

James S. Lewis II, PharmD, FIDSA, has the following financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:
Consultant: Merck

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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[email protected]
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