Immunization

This vaccine rollout has become even more crucial for the US health care system, as new mutations of the coronavirus continue to emerge.

Following a review of the latest interim data released by AstraZeneca on its US phase 3 clinical trial assessing the 2-dose AZD1222 COVID-19 vaccine, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) expressed concern at the inclusion of what may have been outdated data.

Phase 3 clinical testing of a plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate in combination with a pandemic adjuvant commenced following approval to proceed with participant enrollment from regulatory authorities in both Canada and the United States.

The independent data safety monitoring board conducted a specific review of thrombotic events related to AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine and found no increased risk.

The first participants were dosed in the phase 2/3 KidCOVE study investigating vaccine candidate mRNA-1273 against COVID-19 in children aged 6 months to less than 12 years of age.

This week on Pharmacy Times, there are a number of important topics that will be covered and posted throughout the week.

In a recent interview with Pharmacy Times, Raj Desai, PharmD, MBA, discussed a recent COVID-19 vaccination event at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, where he is the director of pharmacy.

Community pharmacists have an essential role to play during this phase of the crisis that could further entrench them as the epicenter of care in the communities they serve.

One recent study found COVID-19 antibodies in all 20 pregnant women and their newborns.

Health care professionals should address potential barriers to completing the COVID-19 vaccination series, including scheduling second-dose appointments at the first-dose administration and sending reminders for second-dose visits.

Using inclusive questions, preferred terms, and language etiquette can turn the simple task of immunizing into a fulfilling patient-centered opportunity for both pharmacists and patients.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen and a convener of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, on the recent “Count Me In” digital campaign.

Although COVID-19 tests fell by 10% during the past week, positive cases fell by a significant 12%, resulting in the ninth consecutive week of a declining national positivity rate.

A follow-up poll from the University of Michigan (U-M) found that 71% of people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are now ready to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when a dose becomes available to them.

The Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing, according to a statement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

There have been 15 events of deep vein thrombosis and 22 events of pulmonary embolism reported across the European Union and United Kingdom.

The investigators observed a near normal age distribution among patients with long-term COVID-19 symptoms, including children.

Danielle DiBari, the chief pharmacy officer and senior vice president of business operations for NYC Health + Hospitals, discusses some of the challenges involved in coordinating vaccine distribution across New York’s public health system.

An ongoing phase 2 clinical study has begun to vaccinate patients with a modified version of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.

A recent survey showed that there is a significant preference among Americans to receive COVID-19 vaccines from a trusted health care provider, such as a pharmacist or physician.

Chad Landmon, JD, chair of intellectual property and FDA practice groups at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the FDA’s approval process.

The potential for some people to skip the second COVID-19 vaccine dose may make more doses available to others.

Pharmacists must first build trust with their communities in order to address vaccine hesitancy, according to Sally Arif, PharmD, BCPS.

In a recent statement, Walgreens announced that it has administered approximately 5 million COVID-19 vaccinations at long-term care facilities, in its stores, and through its vaccination clinics.

The study authors also mention that samples taken from skin biopsies confirmed their suspicion of a delayed allergic immune response that is commonly seen in drug reactions.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Chad Landmon, JD, chair of intellectual property and FDA practice groups at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider, on how to approach discussing the FDA’s expedited EUA process for COVID-19 vaccines with patients with concerns about the process.

The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 diagnostic test that can confirm recent or prior COVID-19 infection.

The investigators urged continued safety measures, such as social distancing and school closures, in order to prevent more COVID-19 variant-related deaths and hospitalizations.

In a recent interview with Pharmacy Times, Council Powell, PharmD, region director with CVS, said pharmacists and technicians are hard at work administering COVID-19 vaccines around the country.

The vaccine has been shown to induce mucosal immunity in the nasal cavity, which may be effective in blocking transmission of SARS-CoV-2.