PEP Talk: The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in COVID-19 Prevention

Program Description

Although the World Health Organization declared the COVID pandemic to be over in 2023, the impact of the virus lingers with continued confirmed cases, deaths, and multiple viral variants circulating. It is important for pharmacists to remain informed about transmission, high infectivity and secondary attack rates, as well as how viral load correlates with transmissibility and severity in COVID-19. Due to the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on personal and public health, pharmacists must be able to discuss the role of vaccinations in the prevention of COVID-19 as well as evolving treatment strategies, including COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP aims to prevent severe disease by rapidly administering antiviral agents to reduce viral replication and transmission, particularly in high-risk patient groups. As new treatment strategies emerge, pharmacists must stay informed about which patient populations can benefit most from PEP, understand its potential advantages, and be familiar with the latest clinical trial data comparing oral antivirals for COVID-19 PEP. This session emphasizes the roles of pharmacists in the mitigation of COVID-19, beginning with a discussion of the disease burden, including its clinical and economic impact, and the risk of severe outcomes in those with underlying conditions. Experts will raise awareness of PEP, address access challenges and resolve confusion about optimal timing of PEP in relation to viral replication, emphasizing strategies to support interprofessional collaboration and equal access to PEP and testing for patients.

Target audience: Retail Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: April 10, 2026
Expiration date: April 10, 2027
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Determine current gaps in the COVID-19 treatment and prevention landscape and the associated disease burden
2. Explore current and emerging therapies for COVID-19 postexposure prophylaxis, including their efficacy and safety profiles
3. Use strategies to reduce COVID-19 risk by assessing individual risk factors, recommending appropriate therapies, and providing targeted education in community pharmacy settings

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-052-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 10, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

Traci M. Poole, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose: Consultant: GSK, Moderna

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Faculty

Monica Donnelley, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Katie Naspo; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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ceinfo@pharmacytimes.com
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