Keith Loria

Femke de Vries, MD, department of dermatology, Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, led a study designed to discover a better understanding of the association between quality of life (QoL) and physician-led acne care. The study, “The association between acne care provision and quality of life: A cross-sectional survey,” also investigated other factors that might influence QoL such as age, gender, and acne severity.

“Since acne is often considered a cosmetic and non-life-threatening skin condition, the consequences are frequently overlooked medically,”de Vries wrote in the study. “Acne can have a profound negative psychological impact with implications for patients’ health related quality of life. In order to improve the quality of the Dutch dermatological care provision, a more personalized patient-centered care is recommended.”

This more personalized approach includes facilitating the integration of measuring QoL into routine clinical practice, she continued. To do so, de Vriesnoted, it is important to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing the QoL in the acne population and which patients would benefit most from measuring QoL in routine clinical practice.

To gather data on the impact of acne vulgaris on health-related QoL, a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted utilizing the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and a global QoL scale to capture the QoL within the Dutch acne population. This data was then examined for QoL factors. The study was reported according to the recommendations in the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.

“Furthermore, to investigate the association of QoL with acne severity we used the Patient Reported Global Assessment (PGA)-severity scale,”de Vries said. “We analyzed several factors that derived from literature and could potentially influence the QoL, such as acne severity, the type of care provider providing treatment, age, and gender.”

The CADI contained 5 questions to gather QoL data points, including patients’ feelings when dealing with acne, social life, skin exposure, and overall acne severity assessment by the patient. The questionnaire also contained a global QoL scale, to give the patients the opportunity to report QoL improvement experienced before and after care.

In total, 371 CADI questionnaires were completed, though 9 were dismissed due to incomplete data. The study population consisted of 79% females and 21% males and was conducted between 2019 and 2020.

No statistically significant differences were found in QoL measured by CADI among patients visiting the 4 investigated acne caregivers (mean CADI score: dermatologist, 4.49; GPs, 4.42; dermal therapist, 4.07; beautician, 4.20, P = .24). However, the impact of the treatment on the QoL, which was measured by the level of global QoL improvement before and after care,demonstrated a statistically significant improvement when attending a dermatologist, compared to the care provided by beauticians.

“The study delineated factors that influence QoL in acne patients,” she said. “As the QoL was not associated with the type of caregiver, the greatest QoL improvement before and after care was achieved after medical treatment by the dermatologist.”

Discrepancies were found for the influence of age on QoL. de Vries noted previous studies have demonstrated a greater impact on QoL in older patients with acne than in younger patients; however, the study authors were not able to detect this difference, citing the small number of respondents over 40 years old involved.

What it did learn was patients dealing with more severe acne experienced a more effected QoL. de Vries said it is recommended to take these factors into account in acne management to optimize professional treatment in line with patient needs.

“I think that the most important message coming from this research is that several identified factors (females and more severe acne) influence the QoL and professional treatment can improve the QoL in acne patients,” de Vries said.

The study authors recommend taking these factors into account in acne management and guidance of patients to optimize professional treatment in line with patient needs.

“We were not surprised finding results that underlined the fact that dealing with acne influence the QoL; however, from a certain degree of acne severity (i.e. corresponding to moderately to severe acne), the level of QoL impairment did not increase, indicating that the magnitude of acne on a person’s QoL was almost equal among more severe types of acne.”

Buidling on this knowledge shows that identifying the possible value of caregivers on the acne related QoLmay contribute to adopting QoL measures as an integral part of acne management, the study authors found. This identification may improve acne care in clinical practice and create treatment more in line with the patients' needs.

Based on these conclusions, the study authors are encouraged to use QoL measurements in clinical practice as a substantial indicator in delivering high quality of care, that is more in line with the patients’ needs.

“Due to the high impact of acne on patients’ lives, adopting a QoL measure as an integral part of acne management is highly recommended and benefits both the patient and the care (provider) in many ways,” de Vries said.

This article was originally posted by sister publication Dermatology Times.

de Vries F, Driessen R, Tjin E, Westenberg A, Vehof H, van de Kerkhof P. The association between acne care provision and quality of life: A cross-sectional survey. 

Articles

There is a theory that professional acne care can be effective not only in decreasing clinical signs but also in improving quality of life.

Improve quality of life with acne care

The sexual and gender minority population, which includes transgender and gender diverse people, have long been underserved in the field of dermatology.

While the unique dermatologic needs for adult patients in this group have been documented, the knowledge surrounding pediatric and adolescent transgender/gender diverse patients can be grown.

In the study, “Dermatologic considerations for transgender and gender diverse youth,” published by 

 researchers found that although the dermatologic conditions faced by transgender and gender diverse youth are also seen in cisgender patients. The cause of their conditions and treatments may differ between the groups which may require special considerations.

“LGBTQ+ patients are an underserved population and I believe that as physicians, we are obligated to provide support to vulnerable groups in order to close the gaps on inequities in healthcare,” said lead author Shane M. Swink, DO, MS, chief resident of dermatology at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “On a personal note, as a gay physician, I feel compelled to use my status and privilege as a physician to advocate for all members of the LGBTQ+ community including transgender and gender diverse people.”

With his interests in pediatric dermatology, Swink was particularly interested to review the literature and see what has been done in the treatment of transgender and gender diverse youth. He aimed to summarize the unique dermatologic needs of these patients, with a key focus on the data available in younger groups.

“Many sexual and gender minority individuals are underserved and vulnerable in all fields of medicine, not just dermatology,” Swink said. “This is due to several reasons including discrimination, stigma, and denial of basic civil and human rights for this group. This can lead to things like lack of insurance, lack of access to care, and simply not seeking care from providers due to embarrassment or fear of discrimination.”

Sexual and gender minority individuals are an underrepresented population of patients, and many are speaking up to raise awareness through research and advocacy. This study highlights the role pediatric dermatologists can play in the care of transgender and gender diverse youth including but not limited to treating acne and hair pattern changes as well as being knowledgeable about surgical and other cosmetic options for gender affirmation.

It also dives into the areas for potential future research including dermatologic effects of hormone therapy in children as well as treatments for those side effects.

“The biggest takeaway from this literature review research was that while more research is being done regarding dermatologic care of transgender and gender diverse adult patients, there is ample opportunity for much research and work to be done regarding younger populations,” Swink said.

Pediatric dermatologists increase the quality of care for these patients, the study suggests, by treating dermatologic side effects of hormonal therapy. This help can include providing guidance relevant to dermatologic treatments related to surgical procedures patients may undergo, providing minimally invasive procedures for gender affirmation, and serving as an advocate and educator for patients and their families. There are challenges.

“The skin conditions faced by transgender and gender diverse youth are not specifically distinct from cisgender skin conditions, but they may necessitate a unique or sensitive approach to care,” Swink said. “For example, until December 2021, the iPLEDGE system mandated when treating patients with isotretinoin for acne used gendered (male and female) categories and language. This required a gentle and more gender-neutral counseling regarding iPLEDGE counseling."

, gender neutral categories—patients who can get pregnant and patients who cannot get pregnant—were adopted, making a more inclusive experience for patients, but these changes were made without consultation. 

There are still other issues that dermatologists have with the program.

“This example highlights the importance of always going into encounters with transgender and gender diverse patients and maintaining a gender-neutral vocabulary,” Swink said. “Some things that occur during encounters can make patients feel uncomfortable or labeled in a way that does not align with their gender identity.”

These can include inadvertently using gendered titles of hair loss patterns, gendered language in educational pamphlets in doctor offices, examination of sensitive areas, and lacking an understanding that a patient's gender may not align with traditionally masculine or feminine features.

“It’s our job as physicians to identify a patient's goals and work toward them in a way that makes them the most comfortable,” Swink said.

The report examined testosterone therapy for this patient population and pointed to its side effects, including the development, or worsening of acne. The treatment for acne follows the same algorithm for acne treatment of patients not taking testosterone therapy for the most part, according to the study.

“A few important differences include the potential need for liver function monitoring in patients being given tetracyclines for acne while taking testosterone therapy due to theoretical risk of hepatotoxicity,” Swink said. “Additionally, antiandrogens, such as spironolactone, that are traditionally used in cisgender females to treat acne cannot be given to transmasculine patients taking testosterone as they directly interfere with the desired masculinization.”

Another potential side effect of testosterone therapy is androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

“Dermatologists can provide numerous treatment options individualized to a patient based on their goals and other treatments they may be undergoing,” Swink said. “These treatments include topical minoxidil and low-level laser light therapy which are FDA approved therapies for AGA, as well as finasteride, platelet rich plasma injections, and oral minoxidil which are not FDA approved for AGA.”

There are many important aspects in the dermatologic care of transgender and gender diverse youth that must be considered, however, one of the greatest tools dermatologists have in their toolkit is education.

“Being able to adequately educate patients and families is so important,” Swink said. “This helps to ensure that patients are receiving high quality care from appropriate professionals and avoiding treatments that may be harmful to their health. Being a supportive provider in the care of transgender and gender diverse youth is critical in helping patients to live their lives as they truly are meant to be, and really has the potential to save a life.”

This article was originally published by sister publication Dermatology Times.

Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. Dermatologic considerations for transgender and gender diverse youth. 

 2021;38 Suppl 2:58-64. doi:10.1111/pde.14685

The education on how to treat patients with skin issues in this group needs to be expanded so physicians can better treat their patients. 

A look at the special dermatology needs of transgender and gender diverse youth 

This week, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association’s annual meeting returned live and in-person in Boston, Massachusetts. In the scientific seminar, “Practical Management of Birthmarks and Hamartomas,” 5 presenters discussed the practical management of a variety of birthmarks and birthmark-like conditions including hemangiomas, vascular stains, melanocytic nevi, nevus sebaceous, and hamartomas using a check-list approach.

The experts discussed diseases and clinical presentations posing questions such as “What should I be thinking about?” “Are any tests needed?” “Is there a window of opportunity to intervene?” “Do I (or others) need to see patients back in a follow-up appointments and if so what should we be looking for?” and “How do I counsel parents about what to expect over time?”

Renee M. Howard, MD, FAAD, pediatric dermatologist at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, California, presented a section entitled, “Developmental Hotspots: When to Worry, What to Do,” offering a checklist approach for diagnosis and treatment and outlining differential diagnosis of developmental anomalies with skin findings at 4 hotspots—the nose, brow, scalp, and lower back.

“My talk [covers] how to evaluate skin lesions that result from developmental mistakes that present in the skin, though some of them have deep connections. So you can’t approach them only as a dermatologist,” Howard says. “You have to think about what to image, where to refer, and specifically, I’m focusing on anomalies in high-risk locations.”

When Howard was a resident in dermatology in the early 1990s, she saw a patient with a midline cervical cleft, a rare anomaly on the anterior neck, and she couldn’t find much information about the condition. That led her to becoming interested in developmental birthmarks.

“It turns out that not just the front of the neck, but the front of the ear, nose, scalp, back, and also around the umbilicus are really high-risk areas for these skin findings,” Howard said.

She said it’s important to educate dermatologists about developmental birthmarks because they need to be managed differently and sometimes present later in adulthood.

“If you see a skin lesion that has a deep extension because it has a developmental origin—for example a cyst that’s on the middle of the lower back—that deep component can extend into the spinal cord,” Howard said. “As a dermatologist, you shouldn’t be managing that the way you would a regular cyst in the skin. It’s important to be knowledgeable about what lesions are high-risk.”

During her 25-minute presentation, Howard showed photos of patients that she and her colleagues have seen in their practices, with pits, nodular growths, and aplasia cutis congenita—the absence of skin in a focal area).

“I…talk about how to manage lesions in each of the 4 locations—nose, brow, scalp, and lower back—what causes them, how you image them, and when you need to refer,” she said.

For example, high risk and cutaneous signs for lumbosacral (LS) spine include midline mass, atypical dimple, thick tuft of terminal hair, membranous aplasia cutis congenita (ACC), tail or tag, and segmental hemangioma.

Other important signs to be discussed include a ring of dark hair, midline defects, and other high-risk features to look out for.

“I hope people will feel confident that they can recognize any skin lesions that may be overlying a developmental anomaly with deep extension and feel confident on how to manage that,” Howard said.

During another part of the program, pediatric dermatologist Ilona J. Frieden, MD, FAAD, director of UCSF Birthmarks & Vascular Anomalies Center, discusses the features of vascular birthmarks, particularly those which may have extra-cutaneous associations.

She discussed nevus simplex complex, and possible associations; what are considered regular port-wine stains, with potential concerns and approach; 3 types of special vascular stains; and other conditions in the differential diagnosis.

While previously, all vascular stains were lumped under port-wine stain or capillary malformation, further delineation can help guide management, she explained

Concerning nevus simplex, Frieden pointed out that it is the most common vascular birthmark present at birth, between 20% to 60%. While it occurs in all races and skin types, it may be easier to appreciate in those with lighter skin tones.

“Most cases are not associated with extra-cutaneous dz [disease],” she says. “However, there are someextracutaneous associations including megancephaly-capillary malformation (M-Cap), beckwith weidemann syndrome, a nevus-simplex like stain overlying developmental anomaly (eg, a lump, lipoma, hypertrichosis, aplasia cutis); Roberts SC [pseudo-thalidomide syndrome], and nova syndrome.”

Highlighing what are considered regular port-wine stains, Frieden explained how they virtually always present at birth and discussed those that may have added risks. For example, the risk of Sturge-Weber syndrome should be considered if the port-wine stains involved the forehead and size is an additional determinant or risk. In a recent study of 96 infants with forehead port-wine stains, Sturge-Weber syndrome was present in 22%, nearly all in those with larger port-wine stains.

The presentation also included exam essentials for major differential diagnoses, widespread blotchy stains with overgrowth and worrisome and not-so worrisome features, and a trio of special vascular stains—Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC), geographic stains, and fast flow stains.

Frieden provided a checklist as to what to look out for, the care involved, and associated risks. She concluded her talk by discussing the differential diagnosis of vascular stains including infantile hemangioma precursors and tufted angiomas.

Howard noted in her session that if a case has a vascular stain that also has another skin finding in a high-risk area, such as extra hair on the scalp, it is high risk for having a deep extension.

Frieden, IJ, Howard RM, Hawryluk EB, Oza VS, Shah SD. Practical management of birthmarks and hamartomas. Presented at: American Academy Dermatology Association 2022 Annual Meeting; March 25-29, 2022; Boston, MA.

In a presentation at the 2022 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, experts discussed differential diagnoses and clinical presentations in birthmarks and hamartomas.

Practical guidance for birthmark management

This week, the American Academy of Dermatology Association Annual Meeting returns live and in-person in Boston, and for the session, “Translating Evidence into Practice: Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines,” a quartet of experts focused on recent developments in atopic dermatitis (AD) and how they affect clinical practice.1 There have been promising AD treatments in the pipeline creating buzz over the last few years and that pipeline is full of exciting new advances to come.

The specific presentations were devoted to deciphering new associations and co-morbidities; providing understanding of the evidence behind newer therapies, particularly biologics; and showcasing clinical pearls that may slip between the cracks of the evidence.

Jonathan I. Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington DC, kicked things off discussing 2 broad topics—an AAD guideline update on comorbidities of AD and concepts of multimorbidity in AD.

Peter A. Lio, MD, FAAD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, followed with a talk entitled, “On the Edge of Evidence.”

“My key message is that we should default to the highest level of evidence... but that 1 size may not fit all,” he said. “There is so much heterogeneity in our patients that until we can reach something closer to precision or personalized medicine, sometimes we need to think out of the box. That does not mean just doing something random. There are treatments and approaches that are at the edge of evidence, meaning there is some evidence that is, by definition, not high quality enough to be included in the conventional cannon as of yet, but may still be worth exploring.”

As someone who sees a great deal of severe AD patients, Lio is faced daily with patients who have failed everything and thus constantly searching for new approaches and therapies.

“I will say that some of the newer medications such as dupilumab (Dupixent; Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc), tralokinumab [Adbry; Leo Pharma], upadacitinib [Rinvoq; AbbVie Inc], abrocitinib [Cibinqo; Pfizer], and topical ruxolitinib [Opzelura; Incyte Dermatology] have all proven to be extremely helpful for some of my patients and I am grateful to have more options,” he said. “We have made incredible strides in [AD], but we still have many patients with unmet needs. I often say that I need all the treatments I can get.”

During his talk, Lio discussed the importance of the skin barrier and how conventional moisturizers are key, but also how sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and oral hempseed oil may offer additional benefits.

“I cover the microbiome and debunk, so to speak, the role of bleach baths, but also talk about how things like coconut oil and a bacterial endolysin enzyme could play a role in the future,” he said. “I also talk about itch and how cannabinoids may hold promise. Some of my favorite treatments cost little or no money and can be done at home without a prescription. While these almost never can fully replace prescription medications, they often can be used as complementary therapy and I truly believe can improve the quality of life for patients who are really suffering.”

There are challenges to what’s ahead, Lio said, including unmet needs for the patient, cost of medications, and access to care. Additionally, some medications have more adverse effects (AEs) and precautions that need to be discussed with patients. All of these can be significant barriers to care, he said.

“I’m hoping people walk away with some new ideas, an open mind, and a desire to keep pushing against that ‘edge of evidence,’” Lio sais. “For the session overall, I think we really want to give lots of broad updates on AD, with special focus on the new and emerging therapies and how best to think about them and utilize them in practice.”

The third speaker in the presentation is Andrew Blauvelt, MD, FAAD, president of the Oregon Medical Research Center, delivered a talk entitled, “New Therapies,” and concentrated on the many new drugs for AD that offer great new choices for patients with hope for better care.

“I [review] data on new topicals for AD such as ruxolitinib, roflumilast [ARQ-151; Arcutis Biotherapeutics], and tapinarof [Dermavant Sciences],” he said. “I also be [review] data on new systemic agents for AD—tralokinumab, lebrikizumab [Eli Lilly and Company], nemolizumab [Galderma], upadacitinib, abrocitinib and baricitinib [Olumiant; Eli Lilly and Incyte].”

As the leader of one of the prominent dermatology clinical trial unit in the United States, Blauvelt is well-versed on the newer developments and the problems that could occur.

“One should be cognizant of the safety issues associated with JAK inhibitors,” he said. “They need to be used with caution in certain populations.”

The biggest challenge with these, Blauvelt noted, is encouraging doctors to use new medications, and getting them to the patients when access is poor due to cost and insurance issues.

Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, FAAD, division chief of dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, concluded the session with a talk entitled, “The Rest of the Story,” where he covered additional developments in the AD space.

1. Sidbury R, Blauvelt A, Lio PA, Silverberg JI. 2 Translating evidence into practice: atopic dermatitis guidelines. Presented at: American Academy Dermatology Association 2022 Annual Meeting; March 25-29, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts.

A session at the 2022 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, discusses updates in new therapies, clinical pearls, and potential co-morbidities.

Taking the latest atopic dermatitis evidence into the practice

The combined effectiveness of vaccinations, masking, social distancing, handwashing, and surface cleaning nearly eliminated flu as a significant health threat this year. Will that mean people will be less concerned about flu this coming season?

There has been considerable speculation that after what the country has gone through with the COVID-19 pandemic, the population could be vulnerable to a flu epidemic this winter because people haven’t been as concerned about getting their flu shots.

However, following the vaccine rollout for COVID-19, much of what was done could be extended to a flu vaccination program, helping a greater percentage of the population.

Family medicine practitioner Benjamin Caplan, M.D., founder and chief medical officer of CED Clinic in Boston, notes that this year, perhaps more than in seasons past, patients have come to expect ease of access, speedy intake, quick delivery, and efficient visit wrap-ups.

“Patients have experienced the efficiency of grand-scale vaccinations that were done well,” he says. “Medical practices that lag behind in making the system accessible and simple for patients will no longer be well tolerated. Also, the world culture is much more comfortable wearing masks in public, and people understand the great benefits. I think this added comfort with masks will likely lead to reduced prevalence of airborne infections, including influenza.”

Last year, the prevalence of influenza plummeted with the presence, and associated protections, of COVID-19 preventive measures. Caplan believes that could keep people from seeking flu shots this year.

“Many people have become accustomed to the benefits of quarantined living, including the reduced likelihood of infections,” Caplan says. “I suspect that people will not be interested in becoming vaccinated because they feel like they have less contact with others. Overall, people have the impression that they are safer from common infections, although as the culture comes back into closer quarters this impression will become a false sense of safety.”

That’s why medical practices need to continue to emphasize the benefits of vaccination, especially for those in higher-risk categories.

For example, patients with comorbid concerns — such as advancing age, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, or those for whom a serious illness could pose life-threatening risk — need to know about the severity of getting the flu.

“They should understand the very real risk of morbidity and mortality,” Caplan says. “On the other hand, after the trials of COVID-19, people also need accurate information about the risks of (side) effects, potential long-term implications of vaccination, and all of the similar facts that have become part of the public dialogue, perhaps even to the point of understanding who manufactures the vaccines and how the vaccine functions.”

Saint Anthony Amofah, M.D., chief medical officer of the Community Health of South Florida and Health Choice Network in Miami, notes several things have to happen to achieve an efficient flu vaccination program, whether at the private or community health facility level.

“First, you have to make sure that the entire staff at the practice that is implementing the flu vaccine are vaccinated and invested in the positive benefits of flu vaccinations,” he says. “The people who are promoting the flu vaccine should really believe in it in order to effectively generate enthusiasm to tap into others who may be less invested. This is one way to maximize the impact and really make a difference.”

Secondly, he notes, a truly efficient and successful flu vaccination program will use more than one path for reaching the people who will benefit from the vaccinations.

“People get their information in different ways and through different platforms and mediums,” Amofah says. “E-blasts are great for getting your message out to your patients; reaching out to media through press releases and publicizing your program is important; mass texting is another way to reach patients; and mailouts detailing the availability and importance of the vaccine can help reach the elderly (patients) who may be less inclined to addressing information from tech platforms.”

William Lang, MD, a family physician for more than 30 years and chief medical director of WorldClinic, notes all practices should make the flu vaccination a part of routine care. “For anyone not doing an acute illness visit, once this season’s flu vaccine is available, part of the exit process from the clinic should be to receive a flu vaccine,” he says.

Lang notes physicians should make flu vaccination status part of the vital signs checklist, with the question “Have you had your flu vaccine yet?” as integral to the intake process as taking blood pressure.

“The key is to create a sense that the flu vaccine is just simply something that is needed,” he says. “Train staff in simple answers to flu vaccine concerns. Leave the big issues to providers but have approved FAQs that address the most common concerns — such as when someone says they are worried about getting the flu from the flu shot.”

Vaccination programs that are efficient and easy to use are inherently likely to gain traction and publicity. Caplan notes that if an efficient program can be linked to other services, from medical products and/or services sales or affiliate revenue streams such as advertising sales or data collection, it would be logical to expect increased profitability.

Amofah notes achieving profitability for a flu vaccination program really comes down to having many patients who have insurance coverage for the flu vaccine.

“At a community health center like ours, we really depend on insured patients who can thereby pay for the flu vaccine, in order to be able to also reach uninsured patients who are also critical to minimizing the spread of the flu,” he says. “To make a program profitable that also really positively impacts overall public health, you have to make it so efficient that it can reach the uninsured, as well. To get your margin, you want a mass effort for a mass turnout.”

Lang agrees that flu vaccines are typically not profit centers and because of that, many providers just choose to leave this to pharmacies. However, to make these visits profitable, he suggests seeing flu shots as a mechanism to reconnect with patients and identify other (perhaps more remunerative) services that are needed.

One way to increase the numbers of those being vaccinated for the flu is to make it as easy as possible for people. Amofah recommends setting up walk-in facilities so that patients are in and out in 15 minutes.

“It’s going to be crucial for practices to stress the importance of getting the flu shot because there is nothing more confusing for a health professional than having a patient coming in with flu symptoms and we have to wonder if this is COVID-19 or the flu,” Amofah says. “Getting the flu shot really helps medical professionals and patients avoid periods of confusion about the cause of their illness.”

Primary care practices should also consider making flu vaccine expectation a central theme in any late summer/early fall communications to patients. “Many patients go to pharmacies for flu shots because the pharmacies have made it a strategic priority to make it easy for patients,” Lang says. “Going to a typical primary care clinic is not easy. Differentiate yourself from the pharmacies. A flu vaccine visit can give the opportunity to identify other preventive issues that can be identified without initial provider involvement.”

By the time the U.S. gets to flu season, most of the COVID-19 vaccinations will be behind it, so public health and other medical agencies will be able to effectively market flu vaccinations. “Educating patients on the dangers of the flu is key to maintaining a successful flu vaccine program,” Lang says, “Vaccine and respiratory protection makes a difference.”

This article was originally published by Medical Economics.