Exploring Novel Vaccines for Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Updated Guidelines and the Role of the Pharmacist in Expanding Vaccination

This activity is accredited for Immunizations credit.

Program Description

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In the United States and globally, HBV infections continue to be a serious health issue, and the latest statistics indicate that more than 290 million individuals worldwide are infected with the virus. The implementation of effective vaccination programs has resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of new hepatitis B infections; however, HBV infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many regions of the globe. As vaccination leaders, pharmacists need to be familiar with complications associated with HBV infections and recommend HBV vaccination for specific patient populations. This activity will review the significance of HBV vaccination and types of HBV vaccines available, with a focus on recent advancements in hepatitis B vaccines. Strategies for pharmacists to address barriers to HBV vaccination and improve vaccination rates to align with ACIP recommendations will be explored.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: August 12, 2022
Expiration date: March 1, 2024

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

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

• Examine the incidence, etiology and complications associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections including risk factors and the burden of untreated infections
• Explore current standards of care and novel vaccines for prevention of HBV infection, including dosage, administration, and safety
• Explain the updated 2021 ACIP recommendations for HBV vaccination in adults
• Identify the role of the pharmacist in expanding rates of HBV vaccination in the adult patient population

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 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-369-H06-P. The activity is available for CE credit through March 1, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review 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

Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

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.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Information:
www.pharmacytimes.org/terms