Immunization

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.

Pharmacists can play an important role in educating the public about the safety of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

In a CDC press briefing, experts said the vaccine’s single-dose approach will enable more mobile units and pop-up events to vaccinate hard-to-reach populations.

Should workers be required to receive immunizations to protect public well-being?

As Pharmacy Times® goes to press this month, there is a lot of encouraging news on the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) front.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Nurisha Wade, MBA, and Farah Towfic, PharmD, MBA, of US Pharmacopeia, on how the release of the COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit may help pharmacists quickly and safely vaccinate.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Micah Cost, PharmD, MS, who was recently selected as the new chief executive officer of PQA, on his plans for the future of the organization.

Vaccine hesitancy is a main driver for lower than desired vaccination rates and recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as measles, in the United States.

Pharmacy Times® interviewed Brian Nightengale, president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, on the role of independent pharmacies in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pharmacies must be ready to store, handle, administer, and follow up per local, national, and state regulations.

In a recent letter sent to President Biden, ASHP and more than 50 other health systems and provider organizations requested that the president activate federal resources to establish mass COVID-19 vaccination sites.