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

Release date: November 10, 2022,Expiration date: May 10, 2023,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.,,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