New vaccine services available through pharmacies
With leadership's approval and collaboration among many departments, credentialed pharmacists have been added as network providers. One of the new services that Arkansas Pharmacists can now provide is the testing and treatment of COVID-19 and Flu. Getting vaccinated against illnesses such as COVID-19, Flu, and RSV. See below for more information on recent vaccines.COVID-19
There is a new COVID-19 vaccine formulation this fall. All COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, will have the same strain composition. This is similar to flu vaccines. Starting this fall, the federal government will not supply COVID-19 vaccines, but Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield members will still have a $0 cost because these vaccines are part of the ACA's preventable drug list.Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV season is typically October through March. This illness can be dangerous for infants and certain adults. This year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released protection for RSV for older adults, pregnant people and infants. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include:- Older adults, especially those 65 years and older
- Adults with chronic heart or lung disease
- Adults with weakened immune systems
FDA Approved RSV Vaccines for Adults
Abrysvo (Pfizer)
- Patients ages 60 years old and older
- Pregnant patients 32-36 weeks gestational age
Arexvy (GSK)
- Patients ages 60 years and older
RSV Protection for Infants
The FDA has approved a monoclonal antibody to provide protection for infants against RSV for at least five months.Nersivimab (Beyfortus)
- Neonates and infants born during or entering their first RSV season
- Children up to 24 months who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season