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