What clinicians should know about the upcoming respiratory virus season

Key takeaways:

• Clinicians should start ordering immunizations now, an expert recommended.
• Providers should also learn and utilize key talking points about vaccines.

There are several methods and tools clinicians can utilize to improve vaccine confidence and boost immunization rates as the respiratory virus season approaches, according to an expert panel.

According to Manisha S. Patel, MD, MS, director of the division of viral diseases at the CDC National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, clinicians should start ordering immunizations now to reduce potential missed opportunities for vaccinations.

“We have data and evidence that shows that ordering and stocking vaccines in your clinic are some of the simplest ways to increase vaccination rates among your patients,” Patel said during the FDA’s “Clinicians Connect” webcast. “That’s because convenience is a really important reason for patients when they’re getting vaccines.”

Patel was one of several FDA and CDC experts to speak during the webcast, which focused on updates and recommendations on COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza vaccinations.

She highlighted key talking points that could resonate with patients and answer why they should receive vaccines, such as how immunizations are the best defense against viruses that can result in serious adverse effects, particularly in older and younger populations.

“There’s a message structure that we can all use as providers when we’re talking to patients,” she explained. “The first part of that structure is a data point.”

For example, adults aged 65 years and older are four to nine times likelier to be hospitalized for the flu, RSV and COVID-19 than those under the age of 65 years, whereas RSV is the top reason for infant hospitalizations in the U.S, she noted.

“Then you tie that to something personal to that patient,” she said. “We have heard to that point, that a strong recommendation coming from you — who are [your] patient’s most trusted source of information — is critical.”

Patel additionally recommended multiple immunization tools and tips, such as:

• sending reminders or recalls when immunizations are available;
• utilizing clinical decision support tools like standing orders and order sets;
• continuing to recommend immunizations to unvaccinated patients, even if they decline the first time; and
• getting to know pharmacy-immunizing partners.

Ultimately, it may take “multiple visits” to answer patient questions “and for them to feel comfortable getting their vaccine,” she said.