FEATURE
VACCINES IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS Preparing for a Covid-19 vaccine and offering pediatric vaccinations while the virus rages on
'
T
is the season. Not the usual season of gifts under the tree, or
choral congregations, or festive feasts. Whatever joyful holiday
at least two could be approved before the end of this year. On
About five US coronavirus vaccines are in phase 3 trials, and
anticipation typically fills the air this time of year is being bagged up
November 18, Pfizer announced its vaccine is 95 percent effective
by the meanest grinch in the history of Christmas: the coronavirus.
in preventing Covid-19 in the final results of its trial and is seeking
As the dangerous virus threatens to prevent celebrations and
FDA authorization. If the vaccine is not approved as of this
continues to infect millions of Americans, the greatest gift
publication, it should be by the end of the year. As of November 18,
pharmacists can give their patients this year is immunity. 'Tis the
it appears that Moderna will be next in line, with results on efficacy
season of vaccines.
reaching 95 percent based on an early analysis.
"This is an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to
At the same time, with experts warning of a "twindemic," the
demonstrate their value by stepping up in the face of an
demand for the influenza vaccine is at an all-time high. According
unprecedented health crisis. It's kind of what we do," said John
to Bloomberg, CVS has already given more flu vaccines this year
Beckner, senior director of strategic initiatives at the National
than they did all of last year, and they expect to double the number
Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). "Our members are
by the end of the flu season.
able to help the communities that they serve by offering a variety
of pharmacy services—and immunizations are one of the most
they delayed during this pandemic that the Department of Health
prominent ones. I think it’s a good opportunity to be part of the
and Human Services (HHS) issued emergency authorization
solution and show others through our actions that we are a valued
allowing all pharmacists, student interns, and qualified technicians
and essential part of the solution."
to administer vaccines to children aged 3 to 18. "During Covid
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On top of that, enough people need to make up vaccinations
