Vaccinating Adults Amid Crisis Poses Challenges

"...patients picking up medications for chronic conditions could be offered an influenza vaccine at the point of dispensing. However, presenting to the pharmacy solely for a vaccine should be discouraged, because this may unnecessarily increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for patients and/or staff members."

"Given their accessibility and expertise in vaccines and vaccine administration, pharmacists have the potential to greatly contribute to improving vaccination rates and herd immunity during this pandemic."

"Given the unknown coinfection rate and because influenza and pneumococcal disease have historically been leading causes of US deaths, hospitalizations, and office visits, it is important that patients continue receiving routine vaccinations to decrease their risk of vaccine-preventable disease, which may potentially increase the risk of complications with COVID-19."

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