As we approach the Fall 2025-2026 immunization season, pharmacists across Canada face a crucial challenge: navigating vaccine fatigue to ensure robust COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite the proven effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing severe outcomes, uptake for subsequent doses has been significantly lower compared to initial doses. This presents a vital opportunity for pharmacists to leverage their accessible position and expert knowledge to protect their communities.
The Lingering Reality of COVID-19
Years after the first case of COVID-19, the virus is still here, and its impact continues. As of June 1, 2024, more than 60,000 Canadians have died due to COVID-19. While mortality has decreased from its peak, infections and significant mortality continue. The virus also continues to evolve, with new variants constantly emerging, and no guarantee future variants will lead to less severe outcomes.
Despite these realities, public interest and media reporting have decreased, making it harder to determine the true impact of the virus. Pharmacists are therefore essential in reminding patients that COVID-19 infections are still occurring and that updated protection is vital to prevent severe illness.
The Challenge of Low Uptake
Canadians initially showed strong support for COVID-19 vaccines, with over 84.7% of those aged 5 and older receiving at least one dose. However, uptake has significantly declined with subsequent doses. For the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, only 16.9% of Canadians aged 5 and older received the dose. Even high-risk groups, like those 70 years and older, only reached about 50% uptake. This is in stark contrast to influenza vaccine rates, which were much higher (e.g., 72.7% for those ≥65 years in 2023-2024). This gap highlights the need for effective strategies to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.
Pharmacists: Your Role in Boosting Uptake
Pharmacists have played a pivotal role throughout the pandemic and beyond, administering vaccines, educating patients, and supporting public health. As we look ahead, their role remains essential.
Here are key strategies to help increase vaccine uptake in your pharmacy:
- Assess Vaccine Status Proactively: Make it a routine part of your patient interactions. Asking, “Can you tell me the vaccines you have received in the last year?” can quickly identify needs.
- Remind and Educate: Many patients simply need a reminder or are unaware of recommendations. Focus on keeping them healthy, emphasizing that due to age or chronic conditions, they are at higher risk of severe outcomes, hospitalization, and even loss of independence from COVID-19 and flu. Reassure patients that, like influenza, the COVID-19 vaccine is updated to protect against circulating variants.
- Utilize the Presumptive Offer: This is a highly effective and time-efficient strategy. Instead of asking “Do you want your vaccine?”, try a presumptive approach: “I see you haven’t received your 2025 COVID vaccine, let’s get you protected today so you can stay healthy through the fall and winter.” Most patients will accept with little further discussion.
- Address Hesitancy Strategically: If a patient is hesitant, explore their specific reasons rather than making assumptions. Avoid simply providing more information if it’s not tailored to their concern, as this can increase hesitancy. Categorize concerns into safety, efficacy, or belief they are not at risk, and address them directly. The OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summarize) approach is effective here.
- Co-administer Recommended Vaccines: Most routine inactivated vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza, can be safely and effectively administered at the same visit. This significantly increases the probability that patients will be fully immunized and reduces the administration burden. Remind patients that if they are at high risk for influenza, they are also at high risk for COVID-19.
By implementing these proactive strategies, pharmacists can play a pivotal role in boosting COVID-19 vaccine, helping Canadians stay protected and healthy.
Learn more about the latest on COVID-19 and more strategies to increase vaccine uptake and keep patients protected. Start this 30-minute CCCEP-accredited course, COVID-19: It’s Still Here – Why and How We Should Care.
