Background: Pharmacists have long been involved in public health and emergency preparedness and response (EP&R), including through preventive measures such as screening, vaccinations, testing and pharmaceutical countermeasures, as well as ensuring medication safety and access during natural disasters and pandemics. Pharmacy professionals are considered essential partners in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Community and hospital pharmacies are expanding services and hours to provide essential services, putting pharmacists and their co-workers at the frontlines for patient care and safety to improve public health. In addition, pharmacy professionals are increasingly integrating into global, national, state and local EP&R efforts, including into interprofessional teams, such as Medical Reserve Corps (MRCs). However, lacunae exist for further integration of pharmacists into public health and safety initiatives. There are increasing opportunities and recommendations that should be expanded upon to provide improved patient care and population health intervention, and to ensure healthcare worker and public health safety.

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Students and faculty planned and implemented a pharmacist-led influenza clinic on election day. A needs assessment was conducted, and a core team was convened for planning and reaching out to health departments. Stakeholders helped to identify polling sites and obtain sponsorship for vaccinations. Standing orders and a protocol were considered and university legal counsel addressed potential liability issues. Volunteers were trained, and the event was promoted through media outlets. This pharmacist-led immunization clinic provided 153 vaccinations; 42 individuals received an influenza vaccination for the first time. Over 30 students and faculty members were involved in the clinic. Lessons learned, including challenges, opportunities, and practical recommendations, are provided for students and faculty pharmacists who wish to conduct similar programs.

Background Minorities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 yet have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine rate. Vaccine hesitancy has been reported at higher rates in African-Americans and young adults. Objectives To assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, determine the rationale for receiving or declining the COVID-19 vaccine, and propose strategies to address confidence in faculty, staff, and students at a rural historically black college and university (HBCU). Methods A study was conducted using an electronic survey administered to a convenient sample of 210 faculty, students, and staff at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) a historical black college and university (HBCU) in a rural community. Results The majority of participants were 18-24 years old (69%), college students (73.89%), identified as a woman (70%), and African-American (70%). Eighty-seven percent of participants were non-hesitant (received one dose or intended to be vaccinated). Approximately 54% had already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Only 13% of participants were hesitant and did not plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common rationale for vaccine hesitancy was mistrust of the healthcare system/government towards African-Americans. Conclusion The results show that vaccine hesitancy was low in the predominantly young-adult, African-American population at a rural HBCU. Opportunities exist for pharmacists and other accessible health care professionals to contribute to efforts aimed at decreasing vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine confidence.