Beyond the Pandemic: COVID-19 Vaccines and Ongoing Protection

Course overview

0202-0000-26-278-H06-P Although the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, COVID-19 remains an important public health concern, particularly among older adults and individuals at increased risk for severe disease. This activity reviews currently available COVID-19 vaccines, including vaccine platforms, indications, dosing, storage requirements, vaccine safety, reactogenicity, patient-reported outcomes, and real-world effectiveness. Participants will examine current recommendations for populations who may benefit from vaccination and explore the impact of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and other barriers to vaccine acceptance. The program will also highlight strategies for addressing patient concerns through evidence-based communication, motivational interviewing, and shared clinical decision-making, enabling pharmacists to improve vaccine confidence, support informed decision-making, and promote appropriate COVID-19 vaccination.