Despite COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States on the decline,1 only 55% of the US population is fully vaccinated (64% at least partly vaccinated).2 With the FDA set to expand emergency use authorization (EAU) of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, more than 28 million new people in the U.S. will become eligible for the shot.
But increased eligibility spurs increased hesitancy. As seen throughout the duration of the pandemic, community pharmacists remain well positioned to keep patients healthy and informed about vaccinations.
Community Pharmacists—More Than Medication Experts
Pharmacists serve as a trusted source of knowledge for many when it comes to overall health—not just medications. This is unsurprising considering 91% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy. In fact, many patients will consider vaccination after a recommendation from their community pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.3
By identifying and addressing concerns, explaining vaccine safety and efficacy data, and dispelling common myths and misconceptions about vaccine-related adverse effects, pharmacists can serve as a source of truth that allows patients to make informed decisions about their health.
Take for example the data presented in a new CDC report that found the risk of dying from COVID-19 is 11 times higher for unvaccinated adults than for fully vaccinated adults in the United States.
Communicating is Caring with PrescribeWellness
Through PrescribeWellness’ suite of patient-centric pharmacy solutions, pharmacists can effectively connect and engage with patients during COVID-19 and beyond. Take for example the PrescribeWellness Patient Communications solution, which provides pharmacists with the tools to deploy multichannel messaging campaigns and to meet patients where they are, in the manner they want to receive information.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for pharmacies to have access to the proper tools in order to execute effective patient engagement. In fact, since March of 2020, PrescribeWellness has facilitated millions of patient communications – including patient outreach for COVID-19 awareness.
From information on curbside or drive-through pickups, front-end items, or reassurance that medications are available and in stock, PrescribeWellness has helped pharmacists stay connected to their patients when it matters most.
Strong relationships, built through enhanced services such as immunizations, can keep patients engaged and safe, while also ensuring a leg up on the competition. Want to learn more about how your pharmacy can leverage the PrescribeWellness solution to better connect with your patients?
