A Review of Flu Vaccine Recommendations for the 2021–2022 Season

Program Description

The burden of influenza in the United States is considerable; it is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. The burden of influenza is determined by several factors, including the characteristics of circulating viruses, timing of the season, how well the vaccine is working to protect against illness, and how many people were vaccinated. As in recent seasons, various inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4), a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4), and a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) are available for 2021–2022 season. All influenza vaccines for the 2021–2022 season are quadrivalent. According to the 2021 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications should be vaccinated annually. The guidance concerning timing of vaccination has been revised in the new ACIP recommendations. The ACIP recommendations also highlight approaches for patients with COVID-19. Pharmacists play a critical role in protecting patients against seasonal influenza and influenza-related complications by advocating for and administering influenza vaccines and complying with CDC’s influenza antiviral recommendations. Pharmacists can screen for high-risk patients and help identify patients through incoming referrals and prescriptions for whom influenza vaccination is especially important, particularly patients at high risk for developing influenza-related complications.

Target audience: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians

Type of activity: Application
Release date: February 16, 2022
Expiration date: April 16, 2022

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives for Pharmacists

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine data surrounding the 2021–2022 influenza season and identify patients at the highest risk for influenza-related complications
• Review the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for 2021–2022 influenza vaccination
• Analyze the safety and efficacy of the available and recommended flu vaccines for the 2021–2022 season
• Identify the role of the pharmacist in flu vaccinations and addressing barriers in obtaining the flu vaccination

Educational Objectives for Pharmacy Technicians

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recognize risk factors for patients at highest risk of influenza-related complications
• Recall the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccination recommendations for the 2021–2022 influenza season
• Articulate characteristics and composition of the available and recommended influenza vaccines for the 2021–2022 season
• Detail how pharmacy technicians can assist the pharmacist in providing education, administering, and ensuring patient access to the influenza vaccine

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-22-007-L06-P and 0290-0000-21-436-L06-T. The activity is available for CE credit through April 16, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, watch the webinar in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Faculty

Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD, has the following relevant financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:

• Expert in Residence for CE Impact

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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