Fall Is Here: Vaccine Time
In the absence of science-based recommendations and the polemics associated with the CDC and the ACIP, states are taking action.
In the last issue's column, I wrote about the uncertainty surrounding vaccinations for the fall flu season. The season’s vaccine kickoff is generally after the Labor Day holiday. Pharmacies usually start receiving vaccines into inventory in August. Campaigns encouraging people to get their flu shots roll out in earnest in September. Much of the controversies I wrote about in that column because of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership and actions at HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) have played out.
Will Lockwood
And even more have emerged. I have spent the last two months at the pharmacy doing my best to provide information as accurately as possible to patients in response to their questions about flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the season. Fortunately, in Minnesota, we have determined that we can move forward in providing both vaccines because they are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, rather than waiting on recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The FDA approved the newly formulated COVID vaccine on August 27. The pharmacies where I practice received vaccines during the first week of September. I gave my first COVID vaccination of the season to a patient just yesterday.
Sign In To Read Marsha's Full Strategy for Vaccine Season
- State-by-State Breakdown: See which 16 states now require prescriptions for COVID-19 vaccinations.
- The Federal Fallout: Get the inside track on the HHS leadership shifts and the new West Coast Health Alliance.
- Pharmacy Advocacy Toolkit: Learn how to access evidence-based resources for your state legislators.
- The MNIndys Success Story: A first look at how independent pharmacies are winning the advocacy battle.
