Massachusetts Pharmacists Association

01/23/2026

2025 AACE Dyslipidemia Guidelines: https://www.endocrinepractice.org/article/S1530-891X(25)00972-3/fulltext

01/22/2026

Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requires choosing among several inhaler types, including pressurized metered-dose inhalers, slow mist inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulized bronchodilators or corticosteroids. Because each device presents unique challenges, clinicians must consider cognitive ability, manual dexterity, inhalation technique, and patient preference to ensure optimal medication delivery and symptom control. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(25)00653-1/abstract

01/22/2026

MPhA was present on January 14, 2026, at the press conference where Governor Healey and her administration announced efforts to reduce the burden of prior authorization.

Pharmacists routinely experience the downstream impact of prior authorization delays at the pharmacy counter, where patients are often waiting for time-sensitive therapies.

MPhA supports initiatives that reduce unnecessary administrative barriers and help ensure patients can access critical treatments without avoidable delays, while maintaining safety and appropriate use.

We look forward to continued collaboration to improve access for patients across Massachusetts.

Why this matters to pharmacists: prior authorization delays often surface at the point of dispensing, placing pharmacists in the position of managing patient frustration, delays, and care coordination. Reducing unnecessary PA requirements helps pharmacists focus more on clinical care rather than administrative work.

01/21/2026

Pharmacists play a vital role in reducing the burden of cervical cancer, primarily through actions that help prevent HPV infections—the major cause of cervical cancer.
💉 1. HPV Vaccination Promotion & Administration
Educate patients and caregivers on the importance of HPV vaccination before exposure—typically targeting preteens (ages 11–12) but recommended up to age 26, and even up to 45 with shared decision-making.
Administer HPV vaccines directly in community pharmacy settings where permitted, improving accessibility and uptake rates.
🔔 2. Reminder/Recall Systems
Use electronic health record (EHR)-linked prompts or in-person checks (e.g., when dispensing other vaccines like flu or COVID-19) to identify eligible individuals and remind them to receive the HPV vaccine.
🔄 3. Advocacy & Public Awareness
Advocate for pharmacy-based HPV vaccination programs through professional associations, highlighting their potential to increase vaccine equity and reduce cervical cancer incidence.

01/20/2026

Certain adult vaccines are associated with a reduced risk of dementia, according to an international study published in Age and Ageing recommending that vaccination strategies be integrated into public health initiatives aimed at preventing cognitive decline. Dementia is highly prevalent among older adults, yet the role of vaccinations in mitigating cognitive deterioration remains insufficiently explored. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13195-025-01895-4

01/19/2026

01/16/2026

A new study published in Cureus found that osteoporosis is significantly undertreated in a predominantly Hispanic population, with low initiation and poor continuation of recommended therapies. Researchers identified major deficits across screening, treatment, and follow-up care, revealing a substantial gap between guideline recommendations and real-world practice. https://www.cureus.com/articles/381534-gaps-in-osteoporosis-management-in-a-predominantly-hispanic-population #!/

01/13/2026

In a new study, investigators compared vaccine responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) either before or concurrent with methotrexate initiation. Because immunosuppressive therapy can diminish vaccine efficacy, the authors said, vaccination is recommended before starting MTX. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(25)00071-2/abstract