Immunization

Changing the way pharmacists and pharmacy staff think about themselves is key, although providers, payers, and patients must also change how they view the value of pharmacy services.

With COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viruses now circulating, the time for pharmacists to get up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations is now.

With the end of the PREP Act Provisions in sight, pharmacists should Reflect on their impact and plan to continue them.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice voted to expand the recommendation, which includes Prevnar 20 and Capvaxive.

Data presented at IDWeek also showed greater disease-prevention effects in the community with PCV21 compared with prior pneumococcal vaccines.

When helping individuals prepare for travel, pharmacists must make travel health recommendations and know common travel-related immunizations and additional resources.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination, risk assessment, and preparedness for immunocompromised patients who are traveling post-transplant.

Pharmacists and the pharmacies they support are in a strong position to increase vaccination rates and address any questions related to vaccine hesitancy.

Vaccine gap closure programs in Missouri and California provide a blueprint for a successful campaign.

Significant polarization surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations in late 2020 and early 2021 looked to have had an impact in increasing vaccine hesitancy.

Approximately 75% of adults trust their physicians, nurses, and pharmacists either a great deal or a lot, highlighting the importance of pharmacists for patient education.

Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are a critical part of MTM services

Lauren Posteraro, PharmD, a pharmacist with AHN, discusses how misinformation and access to technology can contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

By sharpening our vaccine confidence skills and advocating for expanded immunization scopes of practice, we can help improve convenient vaccine access in the US.

Building trust between techs and patients makes administering vaccines easier and increase immunizers’ confidence.

In Missouri, community health workers partnered with community pharmacists, CPESN, and others to develop a state-funded program to address vaccine gaps in local communities.

The acceptance will lead to vaccines that provide better protection against the KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2.

Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease face an increased risk of developing RSV.

Patient fears can be mitigated by pharmacists who use targeted communication strategies to bolster acceptance.

The mRNA-1345 vaccine provides a one-off mechanism of protection because of its single-dose prefilled syringes

The findings indicate that zoster vaccine recombinant reduced dementia risk by 17% in an analysis of over 200,000 patients.

Immunization rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, leaving millions of children and infants at risk for measles or diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Educate patients about the importance of vaccination in preventing severe disease.

Providing immunization coadministration and assisting with insurance coverage are strategies to improve access.

Understanding preventive care reduces the risk of illnesses and decreases future costs.

Differentiating between the 3 available options can help identify which is best for individual patients.

Proper timing and vaccine selection are crucial for optimal immune responses.

With new guidance coming for the 2024-2025 season, pharmacists must stay up to date with current vaccine recommendations.

A strong recommendation from trusted health care professionals can make a difference.