Although the original COVID-19 drama appears to have waned, infectious disease and medication management experts were guarded heading into this fall’s flu season.
“Something new this year is that two new vaccines were recently approved by the FDA to protect against pneumonia due to respiratory syncytial virus in adults age 60 and over,” said Erica Johnson, chair of the Infectious Disease Board of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
“While there has been a fair amount of media attention surrounding the new vaccine [for seniors], it may prove to be a bit more challenging to incorporate into the core group of routine vaccines we are accustomed to,” warns Erin Marriott, RPh, director of clinical and regulatory support at Guardian Pharmacy Services.
Erin Donatelli, PharmD, vice president of clinical and consulting services for Remedi SeniorCare, stresses that treatment options and outbreak procedures for COVID-19 and the flu should follow a tight timeline after symptoms or a positive test.
Pharmacists and others expressed confidence in the preparation and efficacy of new COVID boosters and vaccines. Still, work remains to be done.
“As a country, we are still dealing with misinformation, mandates and some poor communications from government leaders,” says Chad Worz, PharmD, chief executive of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. “It will take a huge effort by doctors, nurses and pharmacists to rebuild confidence in vaccines.”
Meanwhile, experts are mixed about a repeat of drug shortages. Andrew Agan, a spokesperson for Guardian Pharmacy Services, said that drug shortages remain a major issue. “From atropine to lidocaine, there’s a large list of drugs currently in shortage,” he says.
As for parting advice, experts have plenty.
“Get ahead of potential outbreaks,” Worz says. Residents should be vaccinated and evaluated in anticipation of needed antiviral treatments that could involve possible interactions with other medications, he adds.
And finally, “work collaboratively with your pharmacy partner on securing access to any of the needed vaccines,” Marriott says.
