S6, Ep 2- State Policies and Vaccination Gaps in U.S. Adults: The Crucial Role of Pharmacies in Vaccine Uptake

Did you know that millions of adults may have missed crucial vaccines due to restrictive state policies on pharmacist vaccination authority? In this episode of Healthcare Matters, hosts Dr. Robert Popovian and Ben Blanc sit down with Vibhu Tewary and Conrad Bhamani from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science to discuss new research conducted by the IQVIA Institute and GHLF on how these restrictions impact vaccination rates. They break down key findings from the report, revealing that states with tighter regulations see significantly lower vaccine uptake — by as much as 14% for RSV vaccines.

Tune in as they explore real-world consequences for underserved communities, why pharmacists are essential to public health, and what policy changes could help expand vaccine access.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Ben introduces the key topic of the episode: how state restrictions on pharmacists’ vaccination authority may be preventing millions of adults from accessing crucial vaccines

02:56: Dr. Popovian explains that pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals, particularly in underserved communities, and cites data showing that many patients prefer to receive vaccines at pharmacies

05:27: Conrad highlights key statistics from the report, including that states requiring a physician’s prescription for RSV vaccines see a 14% lower vaccination rate, while states requiring a physician protocol see a 9% lower rate

07:41: Vibhu explains how pharmacy access is critical for people in low-income and minority communities, who often face additional barriers to seeing a physician during regular office hours

09:56: Dr. Popovian outlines policy recommendations, including eliminating physician prescription requirements and protocol restrictions, to make vaccinations more accessible

12:39: Dr. Popovian emphasizes the importance of collaboration between pharmacists and physicians and urges pharmacists to advocate for policy changes

14:10: Vibhu discusses how states that grant pharmacists independent vaccination authority tend to have higher immunization rates and how data should drive policy decisions

16:14: Dr. Popovian shares some final thoughts

Contact Our Hosts

Dr. Robert Popovian, Chief Science Policy Officer at GHLF: [e-mail]

Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF: [e-mail]

A podcast series produced by Ben Blanc.

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