Pharmacists Play an Essential Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Organization

As accessible health care providers with links to all facets of the health care system, pharmacists are perfectly positioned to organize COVID-19 vaccine distribution in their communities, according to Alfred L’Altrelli, PharmD, administrative director of pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian-Shadyside and director of their COVID-19 vaccine center.

L’Altrelli said he has been proud to watch pharmacists across the country step up during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of care for their communities and providing much-needed vaccinations. He said that the public and other health care professionals have truly realized the value of pharmacists over the past year.

Keeping this momentum for the pharmacy field after the pandemic is just as important, L’Altrelli said. Pharmacists must continue to demand seats at the table in order to move closer to the milestone of provider status.