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As of August 2021, there were three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States for the prevention of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the early experience from the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of BNT162b2 (Pfizer, Inc./BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna, Inc.), and Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen Global Services, LLC) through July 2021. The EUA data from the clinical trials have largely been corroborated by real-world effectiveness investigations post-authorization. These studies indicate that immunity is obtained within 2 weeks post-vaccination and may endure for 6 months. The immunity conferred by the vaccines may also be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Additionally, populations not included in the emergency use authorization studies may also benefit from vaccination. This look back at the initial clinical experience can be used by the global community to inform and develop COVID-19 vaccine programs.

Five long‐acting (LA) antiretrovirals (ARVs) are currently available in a limited number of countries worldwide for HIV‐1 prevention or treatment—cabotegravir, rilpivirine, lenacapavir, ibalizumab, and dapivirine. Implementing use of LA ARVs into routine clinical practice requires significant changes to the current framework of HIV‐1 prevention, treatment, and service provision. Given the novelty, complexity, and interdisciplinary requirements needed to safely and optimally utilize LA ARVs, consensus recommendations on the use of LA ARVs will assist clinicians in optimizing use of these agents. The purpose of these recommendations is to provide guidance for the clinical use of LA ARVs for HIV‐1 treatment and prevention. In addition, future areas of research are also identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening upon entry into prison for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) provides an ideal public health opportunity to offer vaccination to individuals who are nonimmune. We conducted a retrospective review of HAV and HBV immunity among adults living with HIV in the Illinois Department of Corrections between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. The primary objective was to assess rates of HAV and/or HBV immunity in individuals with HIV. In total, 436 people were included in the study. Of 425 patients who had data for HAV vaccination, 335 were immune. Of 421 patients who had data for HBV vaccination, 272 were immune. Of the 149 patients who were nonimmune to HBV, 22 had active HBV and 6 had an equivocal HBV surface antibody and negative HBV surface antigen. In total, 212 (52%) were immune to both HAV and HBV, and 31 (8%) had no immunity to either HAV or HBV. These data demonstrate an important opportunity to discuss and provide vaccination while in custody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) is a single-tablet antiretroviral therapy regimen. B/F/TAF has become a popular treatment choice because of its small tablet size, high barrier to resistance, favorable tolerability, and limited drug–drug interaction profile. Continued research on B/F/TAF has revealed additional potential for this regimen. This review presents recent literature supporting the use of B/F/TAF as an option for consolidating therapy and maintaining virologic suppression in individuals despite M184V/I mutations. Additionally, children are a unique patient population with limited antiviral options. Standard dose B/F/TAF has demonstrated similar drug exposure in children and adolescents as adults, and low-dose B/F/TAF is approved for children living with HIV greater than two years of age and weighing at least 14 kg. Data supporting this recommendation is described in this review. Finally, despite a lack of prospective data, B/F/TAF may have a role in the future of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. This review discusses these discoveries and the continued exploration of the hidden potential of B/F/TAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the opportunity for clinical pharmacists to lead and innovate in correctional healthcare. The lack of adequate standards, oversight, and resources in correctional healthcare has led to a failure to uphold the constitutional right to healthcare for incarcerated individuals. Clinical pharmacists can play a crucial role in providing clinical services to this population, particularly in managing chronic diseases and infectious diseases. However, access to these services for incarcerated individuals still faces significant barriers. The article suggests that collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare providers, as well as the integration of pharmacy learners, can help improve access to care and provide valuable learning experiences. [Extracted from the article]