Immunization Center

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American College of Physicians (ACP), and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) partnered to develop a new guidebook on adult immunization. Funded by GSK, Aging and Immunity: The Important Role of Vaccines is a guide designed to help health care professionals understand the biological impact of aging on immunity and the value of vaccination as an effective tool in reducing the risk for vaccine-preventable diseases in older adults.

As a pharmacist you are on the front lines of patient care, and you can play a key role in engaging and informing your older patients about the dangers of flu, as well as the latest strategies for prevention. Be FLUent offers a series of tools and resources to help you lead the way in protecting adults age 65 years and older from flu.

Pharmacists’ role in immunization neighborhood showcased

APhA has released a video highlighting the 20^th anniversary of APhA’s Pharmacy-based Immunization Certificate Training Program and the important role pharmacists are playing within the immunization neighborhood.  The video celebrates the work and contributions of thousands of immunization champions and the impact pharmacists have made on their communities.  The video can be used with consumer, healthcare professional and policy-maker audiences.

2016 will mark the 20th Anniversary of APhA's Pharmacy-Based Immunization Certificate Training Program.  Since that time, more than 280,000 pharmacists have been trained to administer vaccines, the scope and authority of pharmacists has greatly expanded and pharmacists are recognized as valued members of the immunization neighborhood.  These accomplishments have been achieved because of the work and commitment of thousands of pharmacists and other stakeholders to improving the health of patients and the communities served. 

We are looking for picture of immunizing pharmacists in action that we can use over the anniversary year to highlight pharmacists' contributions to improving public health.  If you have electronic versions of pictures of you or colleagues providing vaccinations / vaccination services we would appreciate your sending them to mrothholz@aphanet.org. When you send the picture(s) please indicate in your e-mail the name of the pharmacist, practice location, and indicate you have the permission of the patient to submit the photo.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and the work you do everyday.

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) revised the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice. The new Standards call on ALL healthcare professionals – whether they provide vaccinations or not – to take steps to help ensure that their adult patients are fully immunized.  Pharmacists have an important role and opportunity to impact adult immunization rates.  The Standards were revised because:

• Adult vaccination rates are extremely low.  (February 6, 2015 CEO Blog)
• Most adults are NOT aware that they need vaccines.
• Recommendation from their healthcare professional is the strongest predictor of whether patients get vaccinated.
• There are many missed opportunities for vaccination because many healthcare professionals are not routinely assessing vaccination status.

CDC has developed guidance and tools for you to use in implementing activities around the new standards.

ACIP Recommendation on Pneumococcal Vaccination
Ask the Experts - Answers to your immunization questions, organized by topic.
CDC Vaccine Resources - schedules, recommendations, Vaccine Information Statements
Immunization Action Coalition - news, patient handouts, clinic management resources
Pharmacist authority to immunize - by type of immunization
Pharmacist authority to administer influenza vaccine - number of states authorizing pharmacist-delivered influenza vaccine vs. number of pharmacists trained to do so
Pharmacist ability to Administer MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine - chart by state
Pharmacist authority to Administer MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine - number of states authorizing pharmacist-delivered iMMR vaccine
Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) - national vaccine safety surveillance system
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program - no-fault alternative to the traditional tort system for resolving vaccine injury claims
Role of community pharmacies/pharmacists in U.S. vaccine delivery - includes regulatory considerations, best practices, and what's on the horizon
NEW: Adolescent Immunizations and the UNITY Consortium - Pursuit of the Three C's: Confident, concise, and consistent healthcare  provider recommendations for adolescent vaccines