It’s vaccine season again, and your patients need to hear about the lifesaving benefits of immunizations so they feel confident getting vaccinated. Your pharmacy is a trusted source to educate and help patients feel better about their decision to get vaccinated.
If you’re not sure how to engage patients in a conversation about vaccinations, here are some ways you can proactively interact with them:
Look for appropriate patients based on age, medical history, and/or comorbid conditions. Offer patient screening questionnaires to help see if they’re eligible and put educational materials in appropriate places for patients to see. Don’t be afraid to start a vaccination conversation with them. Instead, find opportunities to educate appropriate patients while they’re picking up prescriptions, dropping off, or while counseling.
If you have patients who believe myths they’ve heard or have questions about vaccinations, be ready to address with confidence.
While it may feel uncomfortable initiating a conversation with your patients on vaccinations, remember that you’re there to educate them on the benefits that will keep them healthy. First, check and communicate patients’ coverage status for different vaccines. Be sure your patients understand their personal risks with the potential seriousness of diseases, and communicate the potential benefits of vaccination, as well. Hand out educational materials for support, such as Patient Product Information (PPI), Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), adult vaccine schedules, and other resources you may have.
Printable Vaccine Patient
Education Materials and Posters
fffenterprises.com/resources/available-resources.html
How to Talk to Vaccine-Hesitant Patients
- Acknowledge their concerns and opposition.
“I understand your worries about vaccine side effects, and it’s normal. Would you like more information to help ease your concerns?”
- It’s completely okay to have a do-over.
“I respect your decision, however, let’s talk about it again at your next appointment. If you have any other questions, I’m happy to answer.”
- Offer advice from your own experience.
“I know your concern. However, after I got vaccinated, I made sure all my family members were vaccinated as well, and we had no side effects.”
Other ways you can help patients get their flu vaccine include offering multiple options for vaccination, such as walk-in appointments, online scheduling, or curbside service. These will accommodate various patient needs. You might even host on site at your pharmacy and at off-site clinics, such as community centers and local businesses and schools. Online appointment scheduling on your website can also streamline the process.
Other ways you can help patients get their flu vaccine include offering multiple options for vaccination, such as walk-in appointments, online scheduling, or curbside service. These will accommodate various patient needs. You might even host on site at your pharmacy and at off-site clinics, such as community centers and local businesses and schools. Online appointment scheduling on your website can also streamline the process.
Vaccine Recommendations for Staff
Be sure that healthcare staff are not only asking every eligible employee if they’re up to date with their vaccines, but that they’re also sharing an important benefit of vaccination. Before employees can get their shots, it’s required to provide them with a VIS (Vaccine Information Statement). Answer their questions and calm their concerns completely before vaccination.
What should you do if employees are hesitant or not able to get the vaccine at that moment? Send them home with patient-friendly resources and the VIS. Give them contact information for them to ask questions. Offer to schedule an appointment that fits their schedule.
Your pharmacy has an important role in flu vaccination. By educating your customers in various ways and implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines convenience, education, effective marketing, and your own personal touch, can successfully increase flu shot rates among both employees and your customers.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
