Program Description
The continued circulation of the COVID-19 virus intersecting with the 2021-2022 influenza season presents an overwhelming concern for health care professionals. To prevent severe public health risks of these viruses, pharmacists must be involved in education efforts with patients about the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine for the 2021-2022 season. Pharmacists need to recognize the patient populations at greater risk for influenza-related complications and increased morbidity and mortality rates, such as in the very young, elderly persons, and those with other comorbidities. This activity will review recent FDA approvals and updated guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding administration of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in specific patient populations. Strategies pharmacists can use to address patient fears and concerns, especially as the risk mitigation measures of early in the COVID-19 pandemic wane, as well as to help their patients overcome barriers to influenza vaccination will also be presented.
Target audience: Health-system and retail pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: December 20, 2021
Expiration date: December 20, 2022
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the epidemiology of the influenza virus and the challenge of improving influenza vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Examine the patient populations at elevated risk of influenza- and COVID-related complications and the need to augment vaccination rates for both viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Compare the safety and efficacy of the various influenza vaccine options recommended for the 2021-2022 influenza season
- Identify the critical role of the pharmacist as patient identifier, educator, and vaccine administrator and the growing presence of pharmacists as a site of care in improving influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, CTTS, FAPhA
Clinical Associate Professor
Rutgers University
Piscataway, New Jersey
Clinical Pharmacist
Morristown Medical Center
Morristown, New Jersey
Liz Oler, PharmD
Manager – Patient Care Services
Albertsons Companies Inc.
Boise, Idaho
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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-21-447-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through December 20, 2022.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity 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
The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Faculty
Rupal Mansukhani, PharmD, CTTS, FAPhA, and Liz Oler, PharmD
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta
An anonymous peer reviewer has been used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
The content of this activity may include information regarding the use of products that may be inconsistent with, or outside the approved labeling for, these products in the United States. Pharmacists should note that the use of these products outside current approved labeling is considered experimental and are advised to consult the prescribing information for these products.
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.
For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
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