UVA Health Pharmacy Team Plays Integral Role in Vaccination Efforts

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ACCP member Kevin Lonabaugh, Pharm.D., BCACP, a clinical pharmacist in pediatric ambulatory care at the University of Virginia Children's Hospital, reports how pharmacists at UVA Health have been at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Teams of pharmacist vaccinators from UVA’s outpatient pharmacy and inpatient operations, together with clinical pharmacists from ambulatory care, pediatrics, oncology, neurology, transplantation, surgery, investigational drugs, and critical care, have been involved in this effort. In addition, numerous students engaged in clinical rotations at UVA have also participated. Through January 21, these pharmacists and students have helped administer more than 12,800 COVID-19 vaccinations, the majority of which have been first doses. UVA Health has also been called upon to provide vaccines to the larger community and has been a part of phase 1B vaccinations for the Blue Ridge Health District. The Department of Pharmacy’s participation in the rollout has included maintaining appropriate storage conditions for the vaccine, providing training for vaccinators from all disciplines, and coordinating sign-ups for volunteers. This effort serves as a testament to the high degree of teamwork at UVA and has allowed pharmacists to step outside of their normal patient care roles.