Navigating the New COVID-19 Vaccines: A Guide for Pharmacists and Patients (Fall 2025)
The landscape of COVID-19 vaccination is evolving. With the recent FDA approvals of Moderna’s updated Spikevax (2025-2026 formula) and mNEXSPIKE vaccines for adults 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions, manny patients will be looking to pharmacists for guidance this fall. As a geriatrician focused on the care of vulnerable populations, I understand the potential for confusion, and I want to offer clarity on what these changes meen for both patients and the pharmacy professionals who serve them.Why the Change? And What does it Mean for Your Patients?
For the past few years,the COVID-19 vaccination process has been relatively straightforward for many. Individuals could proactively seek out boosters alongside their annual flu shots. This year,though,we’re facing a slightly more nuanced situation. The FDA’s approvals signal a shift towards targeting vaccination efforts more specifically to those at highest risk of severe illness.This is a positive step, allowing us to focus protection where it’s needed most. However, it also introduces complexity. The exact implementation of these approvals – who specifically shoudl receive which vaccine, and when – will depend heavily on forthcoming guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).We anticipate this guidance later this month.For my patients – older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions – these updates are particularly relevant.The vast majority of individuals I see will likely benefit from the updated vaccines. But for younger,healthier populations,the recommendations may differ,and we need to wait for ACIP’s detailed recommendations.
The Pharmacist’s Crucial role: Building confidence and Providing Clarity
Pharmacists are, without a doubt, on the front lines of patient care and are often the most accessible healthcare professionals for many individuals. You have a unique opportunity – and duty – to navigate this evolving situation and maintain patient confidence in vaccination.
Here’s how you can effectively counsel patients:
Stay Informed – Reliably: This is paramount. The facts landscape is saturated, and misinformation spreads quickly. rely on trusted sources for updates. I recommend regularly consulting:
Professional Societies: Organizations like the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Society of Health-System pharmacists (ASHP) provide evidence-based guidance.
Peer-Reviewed Publications: Stay current with research published in reputable medical journals.
CDC and FDA Websites: These are the primary sources for official recommendations and updates.
Reputable News Outlets: Focus on news organizations with a strong track record of accurate health reporting.
Acknowledge Patient Concerns: Many patients are understandably confused or hesitant. actively listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. avoid dismissing their questions,even if they seem based on misinformation.
Explain the Changes Simply: Avoid technical jargon. Focus on the key message: these updated vaccines are designed to provide better protection against currently circulating strains of COVID-19, particularly for those most vulnerable to severe illness.
Emphasize the Benefits: Remind patients that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
be Prepared to Discuss Risk Factors: Help patients understand if they fall into the recommended groups for vaccination based on age or underlying health conditions. Direct to Reliable Resources: Have readily available links to the CDC and FDA websites for patients who want to learn more.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy with Empathy and Evidence
Vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue. Pharmacists can play a vital role in addressing it by fostering open communication and providing evidence-based information. Here are a few key points to remember:
Focus on Individual Risk: Tailor your counseling to the patient’s specific health status and risk factors.
Correct Misinformation Gently: Avoid confrontational language. Present accurate information in a calm and respectful manner.
Highlight the Safety Record: Remind patients that COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and have been safely administered to millions of people.
Emphasize the Collective Benefit: Explain that vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps to protect the community.Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach
The coming weeks will
