This activity was originally presented at the 2024 ASCP Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Aurora, CO.
This activity is accredited for immunizations credit.
Program Description
Each season, the burden of influenza is influenced by the characteristics of circulating viruses, timing of the season, how well the vaccine is working to protect against illness, and how many people received vaccination. For adults older than 65 years, the risk of severe influenza-associated illness, hospitalization, and death is increased compared with younger individuals. Pharmacists involved in older adult care need to be updated on vaccine formulations and the updated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for influenza vaccines specific to older adults. The discussion will center on the pharmacist’s role in the selection and administration of influenza vaccinations for older adult patients in long-term care facilities. Considerations for timing of vaccine delivery for older adults as well as coadministration with other recommended vaccines to improve vaccination coverage will be emphasized.
Target audience: Consultant pharmacists, health system pharmacists, community pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: November 13, 2024
Expiration date: November 13, 2025
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the annual burden of influenza, considering disease severity and populations at greater risk for complications
- Compare safety and efficacy data of updated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 season as well as emerging influenza vaccine technologies
- Employ counseling pearls and patient education about the importance of timing of influenza vaccine administration and coadministration of routine vaccines alongside the influenza vaccine
- Provide pharmacy-led strategies to increase influenza vaccine uptake through identification of racial and ethnic disparities contributing to vaccine hesitancy including factors such as socioeconomic status, access to health care, and cultural beliefs
Miranda Wilhelm, PharmD
Clinical Professor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Pharmacy
Edwardsville, Illinois
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 hours (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-318-H06-P. The activity is available for CE credit through November 13, 2025.
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 the following financial relationship with a commercial interest to disclose:
Focus group: Seqirus
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Adam C. Welch, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have 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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