Navigating RSV: How Pharmacists Can Lead the Charge in Vaccination for Older Adults

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses an overview of RSV, including its transmission, incidence, seasonality, and clinical presentation.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses the CDC’s recommendation for an RSV vaccine for all adults aged 75 years and older, as well as those aged 60 to 74 years at increased risk, and outlines the conditions that elevate the risk for severe illness, including the implications of severe illness, such as hospitalization, long-term effects, complications, comorbidities, and mortality, while also comparing how RSV infection affects older vs younger adults.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses the RSV vaccines currently available for older adults, highlighting the efficacy and safety profiles of the ConquerRSV, AReSVi-006, and RENOIR trials.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses her experience with concerns and perceptions contributing to RSV vaccine hesitancy among older adults, such as safety, efficacy, necessity, awareness, and cost, and she explores how pharmacists can effectively counsel patients and caregivers about RSV vaccines while tailoring communication strategies to educate older adults with low health literacy.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses how pharmacists can incorporate RSV vaccination education and recommendations into daily pharmacy workflows, including prescription pick-ups, consultations, and routine MTM sessions.

Carrie Koenigsfeld, PharmD, FAPhA, discusses examples of successful community outreach initiatives aimed at overcoming barriers to adult RSV vaccination.